Pentagon Plans Military Action Against Cuba
A recent report from USA Today suggests that the Pentagon is discreetly advancing plans for a possible military operation against Cuba, based on information from unnamed sources who claim to be knowledgeable about the situation. This follows similar claims made on Substack.
Details regarding what this operation would entail remain sparse; it has been defined merely as an “operation,” avoiding the terms invasion or attack. Experts consulted in the USA Today piece have mostly dismissed these rumors, citing a lack of solid evidence to indicate that such an operation is imminent. This discussion comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s hints at considering actions aimed at dismantling Cuba’s Communist Party, which has held power for 67 years, including the prospect of a so-called “friendly takeover” of the impoverished nation.
Cuba has been under communist rule since a coup in 1959, with the country currently governed by the aging Raul Castro, who is now 94. The Castro family has populated key roles within the Communist Party structure, with Miguel Diaz-Canel serving as the official “president,” a largely symbolic role primarily shielding the Castro regime from public discontent.
While the Castro regime has never enjoyed overwhelming support in Cuba, resentment has surged in recent years. According to the independent group Cubalex, around seven protests occurred daily throughout March— the highest number since protests began in July 2021.
In this charged context, USA Today reports that military planning for a potential operation is quietly unfolding. The Pentagon is seemingly preparing for any sudden calls from President Trump to act against Cuba, especially amid ongoing negotiations over broader geopolitical issues, such as the situation in Iran.
In response to inquiries, the Pentagon has stated it has various contingencies in place and is ready to take action as directed by the President. However, there appears to be contradictory information, as General Francis Donovan, the commander of Southern Command, recently told the Senate that there are no active plans for an invasion or military engagement with Cuba. Still, President Trump has expressed a strong desire to end the Castro regime and has reportedly been in communication with top members of the ruling family.
Trump referred to Cuba as a “failed state” and hinted that U.S. intervention might occur after resolving conflicts elsewhere, like in Iran. Back in February, he even suggested that discussions were underway between the Communist Party and the White House.
Axios reported that the Trump administration is accusing Cuba of supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, a claim that has been supported by intelligence gathered from Ukraine. These accusations have emerged relative to ongoing tensions and may be a strategy to rationalize U.S. military actions against the Cuban government.
Recent polling indicates that a majority of Cuban Americans—79%—support military action against the Communist regime, a sentiment amplified as the anniversary of the Bay of Pigs approaches. This event in 1961 saw U.S.-backed Cubans attempt to overthrow the Castro government, but they ultimately suffered betrayal and defeat, stirred by failure at the leadership level.
The Cuban regime’s official newspaper, Granma, has released articles commemorating the anniversary of the failed invasion, framing it as a pivotal moment that should be understood not just nostalgically but as a vital reference point in today’s political landscape.
