US prepares military planning for potential operation in Cuba

The United States Army has initiated planning and troop availability assessments for an eventual military operation related to Cuba. The Army Reserve is evaluating the deployment of military police forces, medical teams, and support units to the Southern Command within a 90-to-120-day timeframe. The measure comes amid mounting economic pressures and statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the future of the island.

Army Reserve troop deployment planning

According to internal communications obtained by the US press, the leadership of the Army Reserve has requested that subordinate commands report the availability of units that would fall under the authority of the US Southern Command. Although official documents do not explicitly mention Cuba, government officials confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the request is part of ongoing military planning targeting the Caribbean country. To date, no deployment orders have been issued, and the document does not detail the exact location or type of operation that would be conducted.

Composition of the military forces under evaluation

The request seeks to identify the availability of six types of military formations to support operations. Among them are a logistical support battalion specialized in transportation, maintenance, fuel, and supplies, in addition to an engineering battalion and an expeditionary sustainment command. The list also includes a medical brigade, emergency surgery teams to treat wounded soldiers near combat fronts, and a Military Police brigade, frequently used for security, detention, and policing.

Diplomatic tensions and statements by Donald Trump

The military movement accompanies the hardening of Donald Trump's rhetoric. At the United Nations General Assembly, the US President stated that Cuba is a "failed state" that "will fall," prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out of the plenary. Trump declared that he seeks "fundamental change" on the island and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is conducting negotiations with Havana. Previously, the US President even mentioned that Cuba would be the "next" and that he would have the "honor of taking Cuba." Recently, however, Trump noted to journalists that he does not believe the use of military force is necessary and that he hopes to reach a deal.

Reaction of the Cuban government and defense of the island

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed to fight back against any US military assault and accused the United States of aggression and of waging an "economic war" by blocking oil imports to the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reinforced that Washington's government will never find justification for a military attack against a smaller neighboring country that poses no threat to its national security. The chancellor also rejected the idea that the island would meet the same fate as Venezuela.

Previous operations and surveillance in the Caribbean

Earlier this year, US forces conducted seabed reconnaissance operations and maritime approaches around Cuba. US Air Force components were also placed on high alert for potential deployments, although those plans did not materialize. Additionally, military planners evaluated options that included an Army-led airstrike involving thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division.

With information from Euronews.com, CBS News, Inbox.eu.