US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump have made statements regarding Cuba's alleged involvement in Venezuela's government and security apparatus. Secretary Rubio claimed that Cuban officials were responsible for the security of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and managed internal intelligence. Following these assertions, Cuban authorities organized a rally in Havana, condemning a US military operation and issuing a statement of solidarity with Venezuela.
US Claims Regarding Cuba's Role
On NBC’s Meet the Press, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuban officials were present with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro prior to his capture. Rubio claimed that Cuban personnel, rather than Venezuelan bodyguards, were responsible for Maduro's security. He further asserted that Cuban bodyguards managed "internal intelligence" within Maduro's government, which included monitoring for potential dissent. Rubio, who was raised within the Cuban exile community in Miami, has previously characterized Cuba as a dictatorship that represses its population.
President Trump's Remarks
President Trump commented on Saturday, describing the Cuban government as "very similar" to Venezuela. Trump stated, "I think Cuba is going to be something we’ll end up talking about because Cuba is a failing nation right now, a very badly failing nation, and we want to help the people."
Cuban Response
In response to these developments, Cuban authorities organized a rally in Havana. They issued a statement condemning a US military operation and expressing solidarity with Venezuela’s government. The statement advised, "All the nations of the region must remain alert, because the threat hangs over all of us."
Background on US-Cuba Relations
Relations between the United States and Cuba have been marked by tension since the 1959 Cuban revolution. Cuba is also noted as an ally and trading partner of Venezuela.