Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stark warning that any military intervention by the United States against Cuba could result in a “bloodbath” with severe repercussions for peace and stability in the region. His comments come amid heightened tensions following reports that Cuba has obtained more than 300 military drones and has considered using them for potential attacks on US targets, including the naval base at Guantánamo Bay, US military vessels, and Key West, Florida.
“Cuba does not represent a threat,” Díaz-Canel stated in a post on the social media platform X, in response to the escalating situation. Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also defended Cuba’s right to self-defense. In a separate message, he emphasized that like all nations, Cuba is entitled to defend itself against external threats, as outlined by the UN charter and international law. Rodriguez accused those threatening Cuba of fabricating false justifications for aggression.
The diplomatic rift between the two nations, which have long been at odds, has intensified as Cuba grapples with significant economic challenges. The situation deteriorated after the United States ceased energy supplies following the arrest of the Venezuelan president, a close ally of Cuba, in January. The island nation now deals with severe fuel shortages and frequent power outages, with electricity available for only brief periods daily.
The already strained relations took another turn with reports that US prosecutors plan to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 incident where Cuba shot down two planes operated by the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue. Such an indictment against the 94-year-old Castro would signify a substantial increase in pressure on Cuba by the US administration, which has labeled the Cuban government as corrupt and ineffective while pressing for reform.