London, United Kingdom – A significant shift in Venezuela’s security landscape is underway as acting President Delcy Rodríguez has replaced her personal security detail with Venezuelan national forces, marking a decisive break from decades of reliance on Cuban security personnel. This move, coupled with a broader dismantling of cooperative structures with Havana, signals a dramatic realignment in Venezuelan politics following the capture of Nicolás Maduro last month and reflects increasing pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The changes are occurring as Venezuela seeks to re-establish economic ties with the United States, particularly in the realm of oil exports.
The transition began in earnest following Maduro’s capture on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, with Rodríguez assuming a leadership role in Caracas. According to reports, the administration is actively unwinding a long-standing partnership with Cuba that has been a cornerstone of the Chavista regime for over a quarter of a century. This dismantling extends beyond presidential security, encompassing a wider restructuring of Venezuela’s defense and intelligence apparatus. The move is being interpreted as a clear signal of intent to distance Venezuela from Cuba and forge a fresh path forward, heavily influenced by Washington’s directives.
A New Security Architecture
The most visible change has been the complete overhaul of Rodríguez’s personal security detail. For decades, Cuban advisors have been deeply embedded within the Venezuelan presidential guard and intelligence units. Reuters reported that a “purge” of these Cuban personnel has been confirmed, replaced entirely by agents of Venezuelan origin. This shift is not merely symbolic; it represents a fundamental alteration in the power dynamics within the Venezuelan government. The move follows a mass departure of Cuban military advisors and security personnel who have concluded their assignments and returned to Cuba, according to reports.
The departure extends to those wounded during the operation that led to Maduro’s capture. Reports indicate that injured Cuban military personnel have been repatriated to Cuba for medical treatment. This withdrawal of Cuban security forces is a direct consequence of the evolving political climate and the pressure exerted by the Trump administration to sever ties with Havana. President Trump has consistently advocated for a stronger stance against the Cuban government, and the situation in Venezuela presents an opportunity to further that agenda.
The Unraveling of a Bilateral Agreement
The changes extend far beyond security. Thousands of Cuban healthcare professionals are also reportedly leaving Venezuela as the economic foundations of the bilateral agreement crumble. For years, Cuba has provided Venezuela with essential services in healthcare, education, and security in exchange for a steady supply of Venezuelan oil. However, with the suspension of oil subsidies to Cuba under the direction of Washington, the economic incentive for maintaining these missions has evaporated. This represents a significant loss for Cuba, which has relied heavily on Venezuelan support for its economy.
The Venezuelan government, under Rodríguez’s leadership, has begun to comply with U.S. Directives to halt all energy subsidies to Cuba. This decision effectively terminates a decades-long economic lifeline for the island nation. This distancing from Cuba has, in turn, facilitated significant progress in negotiations with the United States, including the potential reactivation of oil exports to international markets and the release of hundreds of political prisoners in recent weeks. The administration of Donald Trump has praised Rodríguez’s leadership, with Trump himself stating he “fully understand[s] that statement” when Rodríguez asserted Maduro’s continued legitimacy to NBC News, suggesting a pragmatic acceptance of political realities. NBC News reported on this exchange on February 16, 2026.
The Role of the Trump Administration
The Trump administration’s influence on these developments is undeniable. The capture of Nicolás Maduro, a surprise raid conducted last month, initiated a chain of events that has fundamentally altered the political landscape in Venezuela. The Hill reported that President Trump downplayed concerns regarding Rodríguez’s continued acknowledgement of Maduro’s legitimacy, framing it as a politically necessary stance. This suggests a willingness to engage with Rodríguez despite her public statements.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s recent visit to Venezuela, and the prospect of further cabinet-level visits – potentially including President Trump himself – underscore the growing engagement between the two countries. Wright indicated that he and other officials would return to Venezuela, signaling a commitment to fostering a stronger relationship. NBC News detailed these developments, highlighting the potential for increased cooperation in the energy sector.
Implications for Cuba and Regional Stability
The shift in Venezuela has far-reaching implications for Cuba, which has long relied on Venezuelan support. The loss of oil subsidies and the withdrawal of Cuban personnel represent a significant blow to the Cuban economy and its regional influence. Experts suggest that this could trigger a period of instability on the island, potentially leading to political and economic reforms. The United States has reportedly warned Cuba to undertake “drastic changes,” signaling a willingness to engage with the Cuban government if it demonstrates a commitment to reform.
The situation also has broader implications for regional stability. Venezuela’s transition could embolden opposition movements in other countries in the region, such as Nicaragua, as suggested by Maria Corina Machado, who believes the governments of Cuba and Nicaragua will fall as Venezuela’s criminal regime collapses. The evolving dynamics in Venezuela are being closely watched by international observers, who are assessing the potential for further political and economic upheaval in Latin America.
Delcy Rodríguez’s actions demonstrate a clear strategy to distance Venezuela from its past and align itself with the United States. The replacement of Cuban security forces with Venezuelan nationals is a symbolic and practical step towards asserting greater sovereignty and control. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, but the current trajectory suggests a significant departure from the policies of the Maduro era.
The next key development to watch will be the resumption of oil exports from Venezuela, a move that could significantly boost the country’s economy and further solidify its relationship with the United States. The timing and scale of these exports will be crucial indicators of the success of Rodríguez’s efforts to rebuild Venezuela’s economy and reintegrate it into the global community.
What are your thoughts on the evolving situation in Venezuela? Share your comments below and join the conversation.