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U.S. Signals Cuba as Next Target After Maduro Capture

U.S. control of Venezuelan oil increases pressure on Havana.

Overview

  • Havana said 32 members of its security forces were killed during the U.S. raid in Caracas that seized Nicolás Maduro.
  • President Trump said Cuba "looks like it's ready to fall" and suggested no immediate military move, while a senior White House official said the U.S. already controls Venezuela's oil supply.
  • Analysts, including former NSC official Alex Gray, outlined options such as pushing Caracas to expel Cuban personnel, halt payments to Havana, and demand removal of a Chinese listening post.
  • Cuba’s economy relies on discounted Venezuelan crude that has fallen from about 100,000 barrels per day at its peak to roughly 25,000–30,000, increasing its vulnerability.
  • China is expected to avoid direct confrontation over Cuba, though experts say tougher U.S. sanctions and any cut to oil flows would intensify Havana’s strain.