Cuba's president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has issued a stark warning that any US military action against his country would result in a 'bloodbath' with incalculable consequences for regional peace and stability. The warning comes in response to reports that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and discussed plans to use them against US targets.
Drone Allegations Spark Tensions
According to an Axios report published on Sunday, classified intelligence indicates that Cuba has obtained over 300 military drones and has considered using them to attack the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, US military vessels, and Key West, Florida. Díaz-Canel, in a post on X, stated that 'Cuba does not represent a threat' and that any US strike would be catastrophic.
Foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez echoed the president's stance, asserting that Cuba, like every nation, has the right to legitimate self-defence under the UN charter and international law. He accused those seeking to attack Cuba of using false pretexts to justify aggression.
Escalating US-Cuba Tensions
Relations between the United States and Cuba have deteriorated sharply in recent days. The US has cut off energy supplies to Cuba following the arrest of the president of Venezuela, a key ally of Cuba, in January. This has led to severe fuel shortages and frequent power outages, with electricity often available for only an hour or two a day.
On Friday, reports emerged that US prosecutors plan to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. An indictment of Castro, now 94, would represent a major escalation in pressure by the Trump administration, which has described Cuba's government as corrupt and incompetent.
Díaz-Canel's warning underscores the high stakes as both nations brace for potential conflict. The Cuban president emphasised that any military action would lead to a bloodbath with far-reaching consequences for the entire region.
