The Cuban government reported the deaths of 32 military and police officers during a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges. The officers were acting under a mission requested by Venezuela, facing fierce resistance during combat and bombings. This development highlights the increasing assertiveness of US military power in Latin America, potentially altering regional alliances and prompting India to assess the implications for energy security and the multipolar balance against Western influences. The situation could signal shifts in global South dynamics that merit close observation by Indian defense analysts.