Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a stern caution regarding potential US military actions against Cuba, stating that such moves would result in a “bloodbath” with unpredictable repercussions for the peace and stability of the region. In a statement shared on X, Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba poses no threat to the United States.

These remarks come on the heels of a report alleging that Cuba has secured over 300 military drones and discussed strategies to target the US naval base at Guantánamo Bay, as well as US military ships and Key West, Florida. The report has intensified an already strained relationship between the two nations, with tensions mounting in recent days.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez echoed Díaz-Canel’s sentiments in a separate post, asserting that, in line with the UN charter and international law, Cuba retains the right to defend itself against external threats. Rodriguez criticized those who might seek to attack Cuba, accusing them of fabricating justifications for their actions.

The backdrop to this escalation includes the longstanding enmity between the US and Cuba, a communist nation that has been at odds with Washington for generations. Recent strains have been exacerbated by the US decision to halt energy supplies to Cuba following the arrest of Venezuela’s president, an ally of Cuba, in January. This has led to severe shortages, leaving Cuba with limited fuel and frequent power outages.

Further compounding the situation, reports have surfaced indicating that US prosecutors intend to indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection to the 1996 downing of two planes by Cuba, which were operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. At 94, an indictment against Castro would signify a significant escalation of US pressure on Cuba, aligning with the Trump administration’s stance that labels the Cuban government as corrupt and ineffective while advocating for change on the island.