Cuban Defiance: Massive Protest Against U.S. Aggression

Thousands of Cubans protested outside the U.S. embassy in Havana against perceived U.S. aggression after Venezuela's leader Maduro, an ally, was captured. The incident increased tensions, leading to a standoff with Cuban President Diaz-Canel standing firm against U.S. threats, escalating the longstanding rivalry.

In a significant display of national unity, thousands of Cubans gathered at dawn on Friday in front of the U.S. embassy in Havana to protest against what they see as continued American aggression in the region. This demonstration followed the controversial capture of Venezuelan leader Nicola Maduro, a staunch ally to Cuba.

Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, long-standing adversaries, have markedly increased following the U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the death of 32 Cuban personnel. These events have spurred the first direct confrontations between U.S. and Cuban forces in decades. The protest saw people braving the windy Malecon waterfront, clad in hats and jackets, waving both Cuban and Venezuelan flags in solidarity.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, clad in military attire, addressed the crowd with a resolute message of defiance against U.S. intimidation. He told demonstrators to remain steadfast, stating, "No, imperialists, we have absolutely no fear of you... and we don't like to be threatened." As tensions rise, the situation marks a new low in U.S.-Cuba relations and underscores the deep-rooted political conflict between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)