Mass return of Cubans from Venezuela after Maduro's capture

After the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by American troops, Cuban citizens are leaving the country en masse – according to findings by independent media and the Colombian television NTN24.

The first planes used to repatriate Cubans were sent from Havana just a few days after the US military attacked Venezuela on January 3, as a result of which President Nicolas Maduro was captured and brought to court in New York.

Radio Marti reported then that the Ilyushin plane belonging to the authorities in Havana returned to the island from Caracas along with the bodies of killed officers of the Cuban army who were protecting Maduro, as well as wounded soldiers.

NTN24 also noted that other Cuban soldiers from Nicolas Maduro's protection, security service workers and medics are leaving Venezuela. According to the station, the mass departures of Cubans from Venezuela are the result of American pressure on the country's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez.

NTN24 recalled that “Cuban services in the field of security, health care and education” were provided to Venezuela in exchange for oil supplies to the island. After Maduro's capture, the transport of raw materials to Cuba was suspended.

In turn, as determined by the independent Cuban portal 14ymedio, since the Americans captured President Maduro, Ilyushin, belonging to the regime in Havana, has already completed several flights between Venezuela and Cuba, “conducting a significant repatriation of Cubans.”

The website described the numerous cruises with Cubans on board as “discreet and regular” and the number of people returning to the island as “significant”.

At least 32 Cubans were killed during the US attack on Venezuela on January 3. (PAP)

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