Capture of Nicolás Maduro sparks anxiety in Cuba

The United States' capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro prompted strong condemnation from Cuba's leadership and has raised concern among residents about the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies amid ongoing power outages and fuel shortages.

The United States carried out an operation that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, and the action has become a dominant topic of conversation in Havana. Cuban leaders publicly condemned the seizure and framed it as a breach of sovereignty. Many Cubans voiced concern about how the loss of Maduro as an ally could affect supplies of subsidised Venezuelan oil amid existing electricity and fuel problems. Key points: - US forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, an action criticised by allies including Russia and Iran. - Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel described the operation as an unacceptable kidnapping and characterised it as state terrorism. - Venezuela had provided subsidised oil that supported Cuba's ageing electricity system; Cuba has experienced repeated nationwide blackouts and visible fuel shortages. - Public responses in Cuba included official displays of solidarity with Venezuela and mixed local views about potential implications for Cuba's government. Summary: The removal of Nicolás Maduro as a regional ally removes a source of subsidised energy that many Cubans say helped limit outages, and officials and residents reported immediate concern about worsening electricity and fuel shortages. Undetermined at this time.