Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning that any military intervention by the United States against Cuba would result in a “bloodbath” with unpredictable repercussions for regional peace and stability. This statement comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Díaz-Canel made these comments in a social media post following a report that surfaced, suggesting that Cuba had obtained over 300 military drones. The report also claimed that Cuba had plans to use these drones in attacks on the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida. Despite these allegations, Díaz-Canel insisted that Cuba poses no threat.
Supporting Díaz-Canel’s stance, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized that Cuba is entitled to legitimate self-defense against external aggression, as per the UN charter and international law. He accused those looking to attack Cuba of using false justifications for their intentions.
The tensions have been exacerbated by the United States’ decision to cut off energy supplies to Cuba after the arrest of the president of Venezuela, a Cuban ally, in January. As a result, Cuba has been facing severe energy shortages, with fuel supplies depleted and electricity available for only limited hours each day.
Adding to the strained relations, U.S. prosecutors have reportedly been preparing to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. An indictment against Castro, who is 94, would signify a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba, which it has criticized as corrupt and incompetent.