Cuban officials have sharply criticized recent U.S. military operations targeting Venezuelan oil exports, calling the actions part of a destabilizing regional strategy that has left over 100 dead in maritime anti-drug operations this year. The measures have reportedly crippled fuel import capabilities for several Caribbean nations, with Havana describing the situation as "an economic stranglehold."
Washington's intensified naval presence in the southern Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific since early 2026 has focused on intercepting vessels allegedly carrying Venezuelan crude oil. While U.S. authorities claim these efforts combat drug trafficking networks, regional analysts note 78% of interdicted shipments involved oil tankers rather than narcotics transports.
"This isn't counter-narcotics – it's energy imperialism," stated a Cuban economic ministry spokesperson during a press briefing in Havana on January 4. "The blockade on Venezuela's petroleum sector has caused rolling blackouts across our provinces and forced rationing at 12 major hospitals."
Financial data shows Caribbean nations' oil imports from Venezuela fell 62% year-over-year in Q4 2025, with Cuba suffering the steepest declines. The development comes as APEC members prepare for February's emergency energy security summit in Singapore.
