The Cuban regime has criticized the deployment of U.S. military forces in the southern Caribbean, rejecting claims that it is part of an anti-drug operation. On Monday, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez took to the social media platform X, condemning these naval and aerial maneuvers as part of what he called the "corrupt agenda" of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging that Latin America and the Caribbean should be respected as a "zone of peace."
"We denounce the presence of U.S. naval and aerial military forces in the southern Caribbean, operating under false pretenses aligned with the corrupt agenda of the Secretary of State. Latin America and the Caribbean should be respected as a Zone of Peace," Rodríguez asserted.
According to reports by CNN last week, the Trump Administration initiated the deployment of approximately 4,000 military personnel, primarily Marines, to bolster their presence in Caribbean and Latin American waters under the guise of combating drug trafficking. This operation includes the use of P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and a missile-equipped warship, as reported by U.S. media.
The mission is part of an expanded military authority that, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ranges from territorial defense to immigration control, as well as fighting drug trafficking and human smuggling.
Cuba has reminded that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) declared the region a "zone of peace" in 2014, a principle that the Cuban government claims is threatened by the escalation of military operations in the area.
Key Questions About U.S. Military Actions in the Caribbean
Why is the U.S. increasing its military presence in the Caribbean?
The U.S. claims to be increasing its military presence in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking and enhance territorial defense, according to statements from the Department of Defense.
What is the Cuban government's stance on U.S. military operations in the Caribbean?
The Cuban government strongly opposes the U.S. military operations, arguing that they are part of a corrupt political agenda and pose a threat to the region's status as a zone of peace.
What military assets has the U.S. deployed in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has deployed P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and a warship equipped with missiles as part of its operations in the Caribbean.