SAEDNEWS: Cuba condemned the United States for pursuing an increasingly aggressive posture toward Venezuela, accusing Washington of preparing the ground for violent intervention as it expands its military presence across the Caribbean.
Cuba has accused the United States of moving toward the forcible removal of Venezuela’s leadership, warning that the rapid buildup of U.S. forces poses an “exaggerated and aggressive” threat to regional stability.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez directly appealed to the American public, saying, “We appeal to the people of the United States to stop this madness.” He added that U.S. actions could trigger “an incalculable number of deaths” and create a scenario of violence and instability in the Western Hemisphere, violating both international law and the United Nations charter.
The criticism comes as President Donald Trump considers new measures against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the White House refusing to rule out more forceful options. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of running a drug-smuggling operation into the United States, though no evidence has been publicly provided to support the claims.
In recent months, U.S. forces have bombed 21 boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, reportedly killing at least 83 people. Washington maintained that the vessels were linked to drug trafficking, but authorities released no proof of narcotics on board. Legal experts say that even if drugs had been present, the strikes would likely still violate international law.
U.S. military presence in the region is now at its highest level in decades, with roughly 15,000 personnel deployed across the Caribbean. Trump continues to insist he is not seeking regime change in Caracas. Nonetheless, U.S. officials told Reuters that Washington is preparing a new phase of operations involving Venezuela, including potential attempts to overthrow Maduro. Last month, Trump authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside the country and has maintained a $50 million bounty on the Venezuelan president—an offer that has grown since his first term.
Maduro, in power since 2013, insists the U.S. is openly attempting to remove him, asserting that the Venezuelan people and military would resist. Tensions escalated further when Washington designated the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization—a term typically used domestically to describe corruption rather than an organized criminal cartel. Trump told advisers on Monday that he intends to speak with Maduro, though the timing remains undecided.
Amid rising tensions, senior U.S. military figures have launched a regional tour. Gen. Dan Caine, the top U.S. military officer, visited Trinidad and Tobago to meet Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The meeting reportedly reaffirmed bilateral ties and addressed “challenges affecting the Caribbean region, including the destabilizing effects of illicit narcotics … and transnational criminal organization activities.” The Pentagon said Caine assured Persad-Bissessar of Washington’s commitment to “address shared threats and deepen collaboration across the Caribbean.”
Caine began his tour in Puerto Rico, where he met U.S. troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to continue the mission in Santo Domingo, meeting President Luis Abinader and Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre. The Pentagon described the initiative as an effort “to strengthen defense relationships and reaffirm America’s commitment to defend the homeland.”
Caribbean governments have largely responded cautiously to U.S. strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, urging restraint and dialogue. Persad-Bissessar has taken a different approach, openly supporting the attacks. In early September, she declared she had no sympathy for traffickers and said, “The U.S. military should kill them all violently.” Her comments drew criticism from regional leaders and domestic opposition figures. Amery Browne, Trinidad’s former foreign minister, described her stance as “reckless,” saying it has distanced Trinidad and Tobago from CARICOM.
