As speculation grows regarding the possibility of U.S. military intervention in Cuba, a U.S. aircraft carrier group has been deployed to the Caribbean Sea near the island. The U.S. Southern Command announced on May 20 via X (formerly Twitter) that the Nimitz aircraft carrier, along with the destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), has been positioned in the region.
The Southern Command described the Nimitz strike group as a "model of readiness, presence, unmatched operational range and lethality, and strategic advantage," noting that the Nimitz has demonstrated combat capabilities worldwide, contributing to regional stability and the defense of democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.
Commissioned in 1975, the Nimitz is the longest-serving active aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Initially scheduled for retirement this year due to aging, its decommissioning has been postponed amid increased operational demands on U.S. forces, particularly due to the conflict with Iran.
This deployment coincides with the announcement of charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. On the same day, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Castro with involvement in the 1996 incident where two aircraft operated by the Miami-based Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by Cuban military forces, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
Earlier this year, the U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug terrorism charges, also deploying an aircraft carrier group to the Caribbean at that time.
The deployment of the carrier group follows reports that President Donald Trump is seriously considering military intervention in Cuba. Politico reported on May 18 that Trump believes energy supply chain disruptions and economic sanctions alone will not lead to regime change in Cuba, prompting a review of military options.
U.S. military leadership is reportedly exploring various military scenarios beyond just capture and extradition operations.
Since taking office, Trump has labeled Cuba a failed communist state, applying pressure through sanctions and energy supply chain disruptions. He has also indicated that Cuba could be the next target for military action following Venezuela, warning that Cuba could become a military target after the conflict with Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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