Exclusive-Cuban security forces exit Venezuela as US pressure mounts

Cuban security advisers and doctors have been departing Venezuela as Interim President Delcy Rodriguez's government faces mounting pressure from Washington to dismantle Latin America's most significant leftist alliance, according to sources familiar with the matter in Caracas on February 21. The withdrawal of Cuban personnel represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Latin America, where the Cuba-Venezuela alliance has been a cornerstone of leftist influence for nearly two decades. The 11 sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that the Cuban security and medical professionals have been gradually leaving over the past several weeks, with the pace accelerating in recent days. This development comes amid increasing diplomatic and economic pressure from the United States, which has long viewed the close relationship between Havana and Caracas as a threat to its interests in the region. The exit of Cuban security forces could have profound implications for the stability of President Nicolas Maduro's government, which has relied heavily on Cuban intelligence and military advisors to maintain control. Cuba's presence in Venezuela has been multifaceted, encompassing not only security personnel but also thousands of doctors and other professionals who have provided essential services in exchange for Venezuelan oil exports. The potential dissolution of this alliance could weaken both governments, particularly as Venezuela faces severe economic challenges and international isolation. The timing of the withdrawal coincides with renewed efforts by the United States to isolate Maduro's government and support opposition forces, suggesting a strategic realignment in the region's political dynamics.