Cuban sports trainers in Caracas experienced fear during the US attacks on January 3 against military targets of Nicolás Maduro's regime. Though unharmed directly, they now stay in their lodgings awaiting orders on a possible return to Cuba. The situation breeds uncertainty among the collaborators and their families.
Víctor C., a 38-year-old Cuban trainer with two years on the sports mission in Venezuela, recalls the initial fright upon waking on January 3. “We got a big scare, but we’re okay,” he says from his Caracas lodging, shared with nearly a dozen colleagues from various Cuban provinces. Distant from the blasts at Fort Tiuna, the alert about the US strike froze them in place.
For now, the trainers keep a low profile, with neighborhood court and gym activities halted. Some lodgings lost internet after antenna damage, and power is spotty. Ernesto, another collaborator in western Caracas, observes street life resuming normally with shopping lines, yet tension lingers over potential escalations.
Coordinators assure that “everything is fine” and routines will normalize soon, even joking about a “sports mass” to ease minds. Independent outlets like 14ymedio describe Cuban medical brigades as stalled, awaiting Havana's decision, with rumors of repatriation by January 16 for mission completers. Diario de Cuba reports activated evacuation protocols, with backpacks of essentials prepared.
Cuba's Health Minister José Ángel Portal stated that mission personnel are protected, emphasizing doctors while noting “other professionals.” The Cuban Institute of Sports (INDER) condemned the “imperialist aggression” without specifics on trainers or evacuation plans. The Cuba-Venezuela cooperation pact dates to 2000, with the Barrio Adentro Sports Mission launching in 2004 to promote grassroots sports in areas like athletics and boxing. Over 200 Cubans were involved in 2018, but no 2026 updates exist.
Families in Cuba urge safe returns. “I’m praying so hard for him to come back... don’t wait any longer,” pleads Ernesto’s mother, highlighting official silence.
