The administration of President Donald Trump is analyzing a possible threat posed by military drones owned by Cuba, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana.
According to the publication Axios, citing classified information and U.S. officials, Cuban authorities have reportedly discussed scenarios of attacks on the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, on American military vessels, and even on U.S. territory.
As per Axios, American authorities claim that the Cuban regime has acquired over 300 military drones and is looking to expand its capabilities in this field. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Washington sees Cuba as "a growing threat," especially in the context of drone warfare development.
"When we think about this kind of technology so close to us (...) it's concerning," said the American official to Axios.
Drones from Russia and Iran
According to the cited source, Cuba has been purchasing attack drones from Russia and Iran since 2023 and is now seeking to expand its arsenal. American officials also cite the presence of Iranian military advisers in Havana as an additional cause for concern.
Axios notes that American officials are discussing scenarios where such developments could serve as justification for potential military escalation.
However, Reuters specifies that it could not independently verify the information disseminated by the American publication.
Guantanamo and Key West Among Discussed Targets
According to the information mentioned by Axios, discussions analyzed by American services have included the American naval base at Guantanamo Bay, located on Cuban territory, as well as the American city of Key West in Florida.
Key West is approximately 145-150 kilometers from Havana and is one of the closest points on the American mainland to Cuba.
The Guantanamo Bay base has been one of the most sensitive subjects in relations between Washington and Havana for decades.
Relations between Washington and Havana Have Intensified
The relations between the two states have significantly deteriorated in recent months. President Donald Trump has described Cuba as an "extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and has repeatedly threatened to "take control" of the island, even suggesting sending an aircraft carrier to the area, as reported by AFP.
In addition to the American embargo in place since 1962, Washington imposed an oil blockade on Cuba in January and announced new sanctions against the Havana regime at the beginning of May.
In this tense context, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana on Thursday for discussions with Cuban officials.
In mid-April, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that his country is "prepared" to face a potential American military aggression.
In recent days, the Cuban civil defense has also distributed a "family guide" for "protection against military aggression."