Hugo Chavez undergoes surgery in Cuba, political ally says December 11, 2012 -- Updated 1647 GMT (0047 HKT) "It's a very delicate operation," said Ecuador's president Chavez had surgery in 2011 to remove a cancerous tumor Venezuela has released few specifics, fueling speculation about Chavez's health Chavez won re-election in October (CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba on Tuesday for a recurring bout of cancer, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said. "It's a very delicate operation," Correa said during a meeting in Ecuador with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. Chavez, who had surgery in 2011 to remove a cancerous tumor, has undergone further surgery and radiation in Cuba since. Though health rumors dogged Chavez on the campaign trail this year, they didn't stop him from winning re-election in October. The government has released few specifics about Chavez's illness, fueling widespread speculation about his health and political future as well as sparking criticism from political opponents. December 11, 2012 -- Updated 1422 GMT (2222 HKT) December 11, 2012 -- Updated 1625 GMT (0025 HKT)