Miguel Díaz-Canel warned Monday that any US military action against Cuba would trigger a “bloodbath,” as Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Havana’s intelligence agency and senior officials amid escalating tensions between the longtime rivals.
The warning came a day after Axios reported, citing US intelligence officials, that Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and was considering potential strikes on US targets, including the naval base at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, military vessels and possibly Florida.
In a post on X, Díaz-Canel insisted Cuba “poses no threat” to the United States or any other country, but said Havana had the “absolute and legitimate right to defend itself against a military onslaught.” He warned that any attack would have “incalculable consequences” for regional stability.
Cuba’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberon Guzman, also struck a defiant tone, saying Cuba would resist any invasion just as it had during past confrontations with Washington.
US ramps up pressure
The US Treasury on Monday announced sanctions against Cuba’s main intelligence agency and nine Cuban officials, including ministers overseeing communications, energy and justice. Several senior Communist Party leaders and military generals were also targeted.
Since January, President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Cuba, including moves to cut off oil shipments from Venezuela — Havana’s primary fuel supplier — worsening the island’s already severe energy crisis and blackouts.
Cuban officials have accused Washington of trying to create a pretext for military intervention by first “strangling” the island’s economy through sanctions and fuel restrictions.
The Axios report surfaced days after CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana for talks. It also coincided with reports that the Trump administration is considering charges against Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.
Amid the crisis, Cuba on Monday received a fifth shipment of humanitarian aid from Mexico since February. Cuban Food Industry Minister Alberto Lopez said the 1,700-ton shipment included powdered milk and beans intended for children and elderly citizens.
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