Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning concerning potential U.S. military actions, stating that such moves would result in a “bloodbath” with unpredictable impacts on the peace and stability of the region. He emphasized that Cuba poses no threat, expressing these thoughts in a social media post.
This warning comes on the heels of a report alleging Cuba’s acquisition of over 300 military drones and discussions about using them to target the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, American military vessels, and Key West, Florida. The report has heightened tensions between the long-standing adversaries.
In a related statement, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez defended the nation’s right to self-defense in accordance with the United Nations charter and international law. He criticized those who might attack Cuba for using misleading excuses to justify their actions.
The strained relations between Cuba and the United States have been exacerbated by the U.S. decision to cut off energy supplies to Cuba following the arrest of Venezuela’s president, an ally of Cuba, earlier this year. This has led to severe shortages, with fuel supplies dwindling and electricity available for only brief periods each day.
Adding to the tensions, there are reports that U.S. prosecutors are planning to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of two planes by Cuba, which were operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. At 94, Castro’s indictment would represent a significant escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government, which has been criticized by the U.S. administration for perceived corruption and incompetence.