Carlos Fernández de Cossio, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, leveled accusations against the United States on Sunday, claiming that it is intensifying an effort "hourly" to rationalize military aggression against the island. He described the U.S. allegations as "increasingly implausible."
Using his X account, the official stated, "The anti-Cuba campaign aimed at justifying military aggression against Cuba without any excuse is escalating by the hour, with accusations becoming more and more implausible." He further added, "The U.S. is the aggressor nation. Cuba, the victimized nation, stands firm on the principle of legitimate defense."
These remarks were made shortly after the news outlet Axios released an exclusive report based on classified intelligence. According to the report, Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023 and has begun discussing plans to use them against the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, U.S. military vessels, and potentially Key West, Florida.
Allegations of Military Build-Up
According to intelligence sources cited by Axios, Cuba has strategically stored these drones across the island. Within the past month, Cuban regime officials reportedly reached out to Moscow for additional military equipment.
Intercepts also suggest that Cuban intelligence is "attempting to learn how Iran has resisted us," referring to the drone warfare tactics developed by Tehran.
A senior U.S. official emphasized the severity of the situation: "When we think about those kinds of technologies that close, and a range of dangerous actors from terrorist groups to drug cartels, Iranians, and Russians, it's concerning. It's a growing threat."
U.S. Response and Concerns
The same official continued, "They're part of Putin's meat grinder. They're learning Iranian tactics. This is something we must prepare for."
Despite the seriousness of the revelations, U.S. officials clarified that they do not view Cuba as an imminent threat nor believe the regime is actively planning to attack U.S. interests.
The immediate context of Cossio's statement includes CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Havana last Thursday. It marked the first visit by a director of the CIA to the island in over a decade, where he directly warned regime officials against any acts of hostility.
A CIA official noted, "Director Ratcliffe made it clear that Cuba cannot continue to be a platform for adversaries to advance hostile agendas in our hemisphere."
Ratcliffe also urged the regime to dismantle its totalitarian system as a condition for lifting U.S. sanctions, warning that "the Western Hemisphere cannot be our adversaries' playground."
Military Cooperation and Legal Actions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress last Tuesday, "We've long been concerned about a foreign adversary using such a location so close to our shores, which is very concerning."
This escalation is part of a broader military collaboration between Havana, Moscow, and Tehran. U.S. officials estimate that up to 5,000 Cuban soldiers have fought for Russia in Ukraine, with Moscow paying the regime approximately $25,000 for each deployed soldier, and some have shared drone warfare knowledge with military leaders in Havana.
This week, the Justice Department plans to file a federal criminal indictment against Raúl Castro for ordering the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, resulting in four deaths.
The senior U.S. official summarized the underlying concern: "No one is worried about Cuban fighter jets. It's not even clear they have one that can fly. But it's worth noting how close they are: 90 miles. It's not a reality we're comfortable with."
Key Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is the main accusation made by the Cuban Deputy Minister?
The Cuban Deputy Minister accused the U.S. of escalating efforts to justify military aggression against Cuba with increasingly implausible accusations.
How has the U.S. responded to the allegations from Cuba?
The U.S. has expressed concerns about the proximity of advanced military technologies and the collaboration between Cuba, Russia, and Iran, while clarifying that Cuba is not seen as an imminent threat.
What does the CIA Director's visit to Havana signify?
The visit by the CIA Director to Havana signifies a direct warning to Cuban officials against hosting hostile activities by adversaries, marking a significant diplomatic engagement after over a decade.