Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning that any military intervention by the United States against Cuba could trigger a “bloodbath” with unforeseeable repercussions for peace and stability in the region. His remarks, shared on the social media platform X, come amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
The warning follows allegations reported on Sunday that Cuba had obtained more than 300 military drones and was planning to use them in potential attacks on the U.S. naval base at Guantánamo Bay, U.S. military vessels, and Key West, Florida. In response to these claims, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized that Cuba, like all nations, possesses the right to self-defense against external threats, as stipulated by the UN charter and international law. He accused those advocating for aggression against Cuba of using false justifications for their actions.
Cuba has long been at odds with Washington, and recent developments have further strained relations. The U.S. government cut off energy supplies to Cuba in January following the arrest of the Venezuelan president, an ally of Cuba. This has led to significant hardships on the island, with fuel shortages and electricity available for only a few hours each day.
The situation has been exacerbated by reports that U.S. prosecutors are planning to charge former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. Such an indictment could intensify the already tense relationship between the two countries. At 94 years old, prosecuting Castro would represent a significant escalation by the Trump administration, which has frequently criticized Cuba’s government, labeling it as corrupt and ineffective while advocating for political change on the island.