Cuba is bracing for possible military aggression from the United States, as Donald Trump expresses interest in acquiring the island nation and Cubans face growing hardship.
Cuba Braces for U.S. Attack
Cuban military forces are preparing for potential “military aggression” from the U.S., according to Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. He stated that dismissing the possibility of conflict, given global events, would be naive.
Despite preparations, Cuban leaders express hope that conflict can be avoided and see no justification for it. Fernández de Cossío emphasized they find no grounds for such action.
U.S. Signals Intent to “Acquire” Cuba
Donald Trump and his administration have recently hinted at taking control of Cuba. Senator Marco Rubio suggested the motivation stems from opposition to the Cuban regime’s support of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Trump publicly stated his desire to “acquire” Cuba, saying, “I believe I will have the honor of getting Cuba… Whether I liberate it, or whether I take it… I think I can do whatever I want with it.”
Domestic Unrest and Energy Crisis
The Cuban regime fears not only a military attack from the U.S. but also increasing discontent among the Cuban population due to prolonged power and water outages.
Protests Erupt on the Island
Independent media report that protests have occurred in several Cuban cities, including Havana, fueled by public dissatisfaction. Radio Marti reported arson at a recruitment center in Contramaestre, indicating opposition to mandatory military service.
U.S. Disrupts Oil Supply
Numerous energy system failures on Cuba since early March are largely attributed to the sudden halt of oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba’s main supplier, following U.S. actions against Nicolás Maduro. Mexico also suspended oil shipments to Cuba after U.S. threats of tariffs.
Fernández de Cossío stated, “The situation is very serious and we are working as actively as possible to remedy this situation. We hope that fuel will reach Cuba one way or another, and the boycott that the United States is imposing will not last and will not be able to last forever.”
Calls for Regime Change
Senator Rubio recently stated that Cuba needs to appoint new leaders, as the current authorities “do not see how to deal with” the country’s problems. Fernández de Cossío responded that Cuba has not discussed regime change with the U.S.
He affirmed that Cuba’s governmental structure is non-negotiable due to the country’s sovereignty.
