Cuba Accuses US of Seeking Pretext for Escalation

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has accused Washington of building a “fraudulent case” to justify further sanctions or even military action against the island.

He was responding to an Axios report that Cuba had allegedly acquired more than 300 military drones and discussed possible attacks on the US base at Guantanamo Bay or targets in Florida. Reuters noted that the claims had not been independently verified.

Rodriguez stressed that Havana did not want war, but was preparing to defend itself against possible aggression. He did not directly address the drone allegations.

The tensions come as the Donald Trump administration takes a tougher line towards Cuba. According to Reuters, the US Justice Department is considering indicting former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of planes operated by a humanitarian organization. Such a step would mark a significant escalation in relations between the two countries.

The recent visit to Cuba by CIA Director John Ratcliffe has also drawn attention. He held talks with regime officials, including Raul Castro’s grandson. According to US sources, Washington increasingly views Cuba as a security threat because of its ties to Iran and the development of drone technology.

(reuters,max)