After Venezuela, US Sets Sights on Cuba: Possible Naval Blockade Looms

Following recent maneuvers in Venezuela, the United States is reportedly stepping up pressure on neighboring Cuba. According to the news outlet Politico, the US administration is considering a naval blockade to intercept Cuba’s oil imports. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly supports the plan, a final executive decision has yet to be finalized.

The Cuban economy is already reeling from the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies and foreign currency revenue. Adding to the tension, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the Trump administration aims to trigger a regime change in Cuba within this year. Consequently, Mexico’s Sheinbaum administration is re-evaluating its oil exports to Havana, fearing retaliatory measures from Washington.

With Nicolas Maduro in US custody, Venezuela's oil flow to Cuba has ceased, leaving Mexico as the island's primary supplier amidst widespread blackouts. In a separate development, the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed a lethal strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in several casualties. Meanwhile, protests continue in Caracas as hundreds demand the immediate release of the detained Maduro couple.