Cuba has reportedly acquired over 300 drones from Iran and Russia and is discussing plans to use them to attack U.S. military bases.
Axios reported on May 17, citing confidential information, that the Cuban military has begun planning attacks on the Guantanamo Bay U.S. military base, U.S. naval vessels, and Key West, Florida, using these drones.
According to the report, since 2023, Cuba has been deploying various types of attack drones from Russia and Iran to strategic locations within the country. In the past month, Cuba has also requested additional drones and military equipment from Russia.
U.S. intelligence agencies do not believe that an attack from Cuba is imminent or that Cuba is actively pursuing plans to target the United States. However, they are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the Cuban military is refining its drone tactics amid deteriorating relations with the U.S., which could lead to armed conflict.
The expansion of Cuba's drone capabilities and the presence of Iranian military advisors in the country have raised significant concerns within the Trump administration. Axios reported that this information could serve as a justification for future U.S. military actions.
A senior U.S. official stated, "It is concerning that a range of rogue actors, from terrorist organizations to drug cartels, Iran, and Russia, are utilizing such technology so close to home. This represents an escalating threat."
In response, the Cuban embassy stated on X (formerly Twitter) that, like any nation, Cuba has the right to defend itself against external aggression. This right to self-defense is protected under international law and the U.N. Charter.
The embassy further claimed, "Individuals in the U.S. who seek to subjugate and effectively destroy the Cuban nation through military aggression and war are not wasting a moment in fabricating excuses, spreading falsehoods, and distorting the necessary logical preparations for potential aggression as if it were something special."
Recently, the U.S. has intensified its diplomatic and security pressure on Cuba. According to Axios, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba on May 14, warning local officials against engaging in hostile actions.
A CIA official noted that Ratcliffe conveyed that Cuba should not become a platform for hostile agendas from adversarial forces in the Western Hemisphere.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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