The Pentagon is quietly laying the planning groundwork for a potential U.S. military operation in Cuba, even as theIran war grinds on, according to recent reports.
Two sources familiar with the matter toldUSA Todayon Wednesday that contingency plans are being developed in case President Donald Trumporders an intervention on the island nation. Trump has not announced plans to invade Cuba, but has floated the idea.
Sources also toldZeteoearlier this week that the Pentagon was given a directive straight from the White House to prepare for possible military action in the Caribbean.
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the matter and instead referredThe IndependenttoU.S. Southern Command, the body responsible for military operations in Latin America. A spokesperson for Southern Command toldThe Independentthat he didn’t “know anything about” plans involving Cuba.
The spokesperson highlighted a March congressional testimony by General Francis Donovan, the head of Southern Command, who denied the U.S. was actively rehearsing or planning for a takeover of Cuba.
Trump, who has ordered military operations in multiple nations during his second term — including Iran,Venezuela,Ecuador,NigeriaandSomalia— has frequently and openly mused about seizing control of the communist-run island.
Last month, he told reporters he believes he will have “the honor of taking Cuba,” adding he “can do anything I want with it.”
On Monday, the 79-year-old president said, “We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” referring to the Iran war, whichnegotiators are now attempting to resolvebefore the clock runs out on a two-week ceasefire.
Beyond his fiery rhetoric, Trump has also implemented aggressive policies towards Cuba — which has been a U.S. adversary since the 1959 revolution.
He’sslapped steep tariffson the island nation and threatened to impose duties on goods from countries that export oil to Cuba. The U.S. has also seized multiple oil tankers bound for the country,exacerbating its energy crisis.
Source: Drudge Report
