Cuba’s deep involvement in Venezuela’s security apparatus contradicts claims of a purely humanitarian presence.

By Michael Lima | Published by Bureau News

For the original article this summary is based on, see the publisher’s website here.

Summarized by Probe International

The deaths of 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel while defending Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro reveal the deep involvement of Cuba in Venezuela’s security apparatus, contradicting claims that their presence was solely humanitarian writes Michael Lima, the director of the Canadian NGO Democratic Spaces.

The incident, says Lima, highlights Cuba’s role in exporting its repressive intelligence model to maintain authoritarian regimes in Latin America.

Cuban-Venezuelan security cooperation has been established since at least 2008, allowing Cuba to train Venezuelan military and intelligence personnel, which has helped Maduro’s regime to suppress dissent and consolidate power. The recent U.S. military operation that captured Maduro underscores the extent of Cuban control over Venezuela’s security structure, with U.S. officials noting that Cuban operatives monitor loyalty within the regime and protect Maduro.

Lima also draws parallels with Nicaragua, where Cuban advisers have similarly infiltrated the military and security forces to support the Ortega regime. He emphasizes that the U.S. must now pair military actions with a coherent political strategy to promote democracy in Venezuela, which could lead to significant regional changes, including the weakening of authoritarian alliances and a potential increase in oil production.

As long as the Venezuelan regime remains in power, concludes Lima, Cuban intelligence advisers will continue to play a crucial role in sustaining authoritarianism in the region, highlighting the interconnectedness of repressive regimes and the human cost of their survival.