Cuba's President Condemns US Capture of Venezuela's Maduro

Cuban Leadership's Reaction to Maduro's Capture

• 🇨🇺 Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed approximately 30,000 Cubans at a rally in Havana, condemning the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores as a "criminal assault."
• 🇺🇸 The rally took place near the U.S. embassy, with the Cuban flag displayed prominently, symbolizing defiance and resilience.

Venezuela's Crucial Role for Cuba

• 🤝 Since the early 2000s, Venezuela has served as Cuba's energy lifeline, providing essential oil supplies.
• ⛽ Cuba's energy system relies on approximately 27,000 barrels of oil daily from Venezuela, a supply threatened by U.S. actions.
• 🚢 The Trump administration had begun seizing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, impacting Cuba's energy security.

Public Sentiment in Havana

• 😠 Despite Maduro not being a widely respected figure in Cuba, many Cubans voiced anger and defiance against his capture.
• 😟 This sentiment stems from the understanding that Cuba's well-being is significantly tied to Venezuela's oil deliveries.
• 🗣️ Every individual interviewed expressed opposition to Maduro's capture, highlighting a unified stance against the U.S. action.

Political Context and Warnings

• ⚠️ Senator Marco Rubio suggested that those in power in Cuba should be nervous due to the close alliance with Venezuela.
• 🎯 The Trump administration's campaign against Maduro has also placed Havana in its crosshairs.