Rick Ramsay, the sheriff of Monroe County, which covers the Florida Keys and Key West, announced on Sunday that neither federal nor state authorities have contacted him about reports of a potential military action by the Cuban regime involving drones targeting the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
The sheriff’s statement was in response to an Axios report released on Sunday, which was based on classified intelligence. The report claimed that since 2023, Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and has discussed potential plans to use them against Guantanamo, U.S. military vessels, and possibly Key West.
In an official statement shared on X, Ramsay was definitive: "I am closely monitoring the situation, but no governmental agency has reached out to me, and I don't believe there's any immediate cause for concern."
The Sheriff's Office further noted that it cannot confirm the media reports or determine their origin, and Ramsay has not implemented any operational changes within the agency, including with patrol and detention deputies.
"I’m confident that I will be informed if the situation changes and will subsequently alert the public," added the sheriff.
Monroe County is the southernmost jurisdiction in the continental United States, located about 90 miles from Havana, positioning it as a frontline against any potential threats from the island.
According to the intelligence cited by Axios, Cuba reportedly acquired drones with "varying capabilities" and has stored them in strategic locations across the country. In the past month, regime officials have allegedly requested additional weaponry from Russia.
An American official summarized Washington's concerns: "When we consider such technologies so close to home, combined with a mix of dangerous actors from terrorist groups to drug cartels, Iranians, and Russians, it raises alarms. It's an escalating threat."
Despite the severity of these reports, U.S. officials clarified that they do not see Cuba as an immediate threat nor believe the regime is actively planning attacks on U.S. interests.
The Cuban regime sidestepped explicitly denying the existence of the drones, while its foreign ministry spoke of "legitimate defense" if Cuba were attacked.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar described the Cuban drones as a direct threat to national security, while Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart warned about the proximity of the Cuban arsenal to Florida's shores.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also addressed Congress, stating: "We've long been concerned about a foreign adversary using such a location so close to our shores, which is very troubling."
These reports surfaced just days after CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana last Thursday—the first visit by a CIA director in over a decade—to directly warn the regime against any hostile actions.
Concerns Over Cuban Drone Acquisition
What is Monroe County's role regarding potential Cuban threats?
Monroe County, being the southernmost jurisdiction in the continental U.S. and only 90 miles from Havana, is considered a frontline against any threats from Cuba.
What are the reported capabilities of the Cuban drones?
The drones acquired by Cuba reportedly have varying capabilities and have been strategically positioned across the country.
How has the U.S. government responded to the reports of Cuban drones?
While acknowledging the reports, U.S. officials have clarified that they do not view Cuba as an immediate threat nor believe there are active plans to attack U.S. interests.