Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning against potential US military action, cautioning that such a move would result in a “bloodbath” with extensive consequences for the peace and stability of the region. His remarks come amid rising tensions following reports suggesting Cuba’s acquisition of over 300 military drones and alleged discussions to use them against US military targets including the naval base at Guantánamo Bay, military vessels, and Key West in Florida.
Díaz-Canel, addressing the situation on social media platform X, emphasized that Cuba poses no threat. Meanwhile, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez echoed this sentiment, asserting that Cuba, like any sovereign nation, holds the right to defend itself against any external aggression, as per the UN charter and international law. Rodriguez criticized the use of false pretexts by those aiming to justify attacks on Cuba.
The strain between the United States and Cuba, a long-standing communist adversary of Washington, has intensified since the US halted its energy supplies to the island. This policy shift followed the arrest of the Venezuelan president, an ally of Cuba, in January, exacerbating existing challenges. As a result, the island nation has faced severe fuel shortages and power outages, with electricity often available for only an hour or two daily.
The diplomatic friction has further escalated with reports surfacing that US prosecutors intend to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. This move relates to Cuba’s 1996 downing of two planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a humanitarian group. The indictment of Castro, who is now 94, would represent a significant increase in pressure on the Cuban government by the US administration, which has previously criticized Cuba’s leadership as corrupt and ineffective, pushing for political change on the island.