Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning that any military action by the United States against Cuba could trigger a “bloodbath” with far-reaching consequences for peace and stability in the region. This warning comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, as Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba poses no threat in a recent social media post.
The heightened tension follows a report alleging that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones and discussed potential plans to target the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida. In defense of Cuba’s position, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized that, under the UN charter and international law, every nation has the right to self-defense against external aggression. He criticized those who, according to him, fabricate false reasons to justify an attack on Cuba.
The long-standing adversarial relationship between Cuba and the United States has worsened since the U.S. cut off energy supplies to Cuba following the arrest of Venezuela’s president, a close ally of Cuba, in January. This has exacerbated the island’s economic challenges, resulting in severe shortages of fuel and frequent electricity outages.
Adding to the tension, U.S. prosecutors are reportedly planning to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 incident where Cuban forces shot down two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. Such an indictment could significantly increase pressure on Cuba, aligning with the Trump administration’s stance that labels the Cuban government as corrupt and incompetent, alongside its push for political change on the island.