The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro sent a ripple of anticipation across the globe, prompting a bold prediction from President Trump late Sunday. He stated Cuba was on the verge of collapse, no longer able to depend on Venezuela for vital support and resources.
Trump’s assessment hinged on the direct link between Maduro’s removal and Cuba’s precarious position. He believed the island nation’s fate was now inextricably tied to the unraveling of Venezuela’s ability to sustain its regional allies.
When questioned about potential U.S. intervention in Cuba, Trump dismissed the need for action. He confidently asserted that Cuba was already “going down for the count,” seemingly destined to fall without further external pressure.
The audacious operation that led to Maduro’s capture, alongside his wife, on charges of narco-terrorism, ignited a firestorm of reaction. Cuban officials responded with calls for rallies and accusations of a U.S. violation of sovereignty.
U.S. officials revealed a deeper entanglement, alleging that Cuban security forces were instrumental in propping up Maduro’s regime. They claimed Cuban operatives effectively controlled Venezuela’s intelligence and security apparatus, even providing Maduro’s personal security detail.
Senator Rubio underscored this point, stating Maduro was guarded not by Venezuelans, but by Cuban security personnel. This revelation painted a picture of significant Cuban influence within Venezuela’s government.
Cuba acknowledged a devastating loss, reporting 32 military and police officers killed during the operation. The government declared two days of national mourning, confirming the officers had been deployed to Venezuela at Caracas’ request.
President Trump confirmed the Cuban casualties, noting a significant disparity in losses. He stated, “A lot of Cubans were killed yesterday…There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.”
The President’s remarks extended beyond Venezuela and Cuba, turning sharply toward Colombia. He accused the country’s leadership of fueling the flow of cocaine into the United States, labeling it “very sick” and led by a “sick man.”
Trump signaled a willingness to confront narco-trafficking networks operating both on land and at sea, referencing recent interdictions as evidence of U.S. resolve. He vowed to curtail Colombia’s role in the drug trade.
In a surprising turn, Trump also revisited his long-held interest in Greenland, emphasizing its strategic importance to U.S. national security. He cited growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic region as justification.
Trump framed the entire operation as a demonstration of U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, invoking the Monroe Doctrine. He warned that hostile regimes could no longer rely on mutual support for survival.
Maduro is now scheduled to appear in federal court in New York on Monday, marking the next phase in a dramatic unfolding of events with far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.
