Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning regarding potential military intervention by the United States, cautioning that any such action would result in dire consequences, potentially leading to a “bloodbath” with unpredictable ramifications for regional peace and stability. He emphasized that Cuba poses no threat in a statement shared on social media platform X.
This assertion comes on the heels of a report suggesting Cuba’s military capabilities have been significantly bolstered. According to classified intelligence, Cuba has reportedly acquired over 300 military drones and has considered utilizing them in potential attacks targeting the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, as well as U.S. military vessels and Key West, Florida.
Bruno Rodriguez, Cuba’s foreign minister, offered a separate statement reinforcing Cuba’s stance, asserting that, as per the UN charter and international law, every nation is entitled to self-defense against foreign aggression. He criticized the use of what he termed “false pretexts” by those advocating for attacks on Cuba.
The relationship between Cuba and the United States, long marked by tension, has recently grown increasingly strained. The situation has worsened following the U.S. decision to cut off energy supplies to Cuba after the arrest of Venezuela’s president, a key ally to Havana, earlier this year. This move has exacerbated Cuba’s energy crisis, leading to severe shortages in fuel and electricity, with power often available for just one or two hours a day.
In addition to these challenges, tensions have escalated with reports indicating that U.S. prosecutors are planning to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The charges are related to the 1996 incident where Cuban forces downed two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. An indictment of the 94-year-old Castro would signify a significant increase in pressure from the U.S. administration, which has been vocal in its criticism of the Cuban government, labeling it as corrupt and incompetent.