The site Axios, citing US officials, reported on Sunday that Cuba has considered using military drones against the American base at Guantanamo. The relationship between the two countries has been very strained for several months, particularly after threats from Donald Trump.
Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and recently considered scenarios for using them against the American base at Guantanamo, or even against American territory, according to Axios on Sunday, based on classified information.
This report comes amidst high tension between the two countries, as Cuban officials accuse Washington of laying the political groundwork for an intervention against the island.
“When we think about this type of technology being so close to us, (…) it’s worrying,” emphasized a senior US official speaking anonymously to Axios, mentioning “a growing threat.”
Donald Trump believes that Cuba is “a threat”
He indicated that Cuba has acquired attack drones from Russia and Iran since 2023, and is now seeking to obtain more.
The relationship between the two ideological enemies has been particularly tense for several months. Donald Trump believes that the communist rule, located 150 kilometers off the coast of Florida, represents “an extraordinary threat” to the national security of the United States.
The American president has repeatedly threatened to “take control” of Cuba, suggesting sending an aircraft carrier there.
An oil blockade with heavy consequences
In addition to the American embargo in place since 1962, Washington – which openly desires a regime change in Havana – has imposed an oil blockade on the island since January, allowing only one Russian oil tanker to arrive.
The United States also announced at the beginning of May a tightening of sanctions against Cuba.
In this context, CIA director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on Thursday for an exceptional meeting with senior Cuban officials, as the two countries are in difficult negotiations.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated in mid-April that his country was “ready” to face a US military aggression.
The civil defense of the island has recently distributed a “family guide” for “protection against military aggression,” according to several official provincial websites.
