Thousands of Cubans filled Havana's Vedado district on Friday, waving Venezuelan flags and banners to denounce perceived U.S. interference in Venezuela's affairs. The demonstration, led by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, unfolded beneath the statue of Latin American liberator Simón Bolívar – a symbolic nod to regional unity.
Participants from left-wing political groups, international delegates attending a socialist conference, and local residents chanted slogans against U.S. military activities in the Caribbean. Roberto Morales, a senior Communist Party official, revealed over 4.3 million Cubans had signed petitions supporting Venezuela, stating: "We defend Venezuela through every social mission we maintain there."
The rally coincided with growing regional concerns about U.S. policy. "Threats against Venezuela threaten all Latin America," said Omar Olivares, a 57-year-old Havana resident who joined the predawn gathering. President Diaz-Canel later tweeted support for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, criticizing U.S. authorization of "covert operations" against Caracas.
Cuba's Foreign Ministry recently condemned potential U.S. military action against Venezuela, urging global opposition to what it called "pretexts for intervention." The demonstration highlights Cuba's continued alignment with leftist governments resisting Washington's influence in Latin America.
