US increases threat of potential military action against Cuban government

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Cuba poses a national security threat to the US. In a recent press conference, Rubio emphasized the country’s ties to adversaries Russia and China as the primary reason for this assessment.

President Donald Trump has also expressed his intention to take action against Cuba, stating that he is likely to be the president to finally implement such measures. The Trump administration has been increasing pressure on the communist-led island, with a focus on regime change and economic sanctions.

Rubio attributed the situation to Cuba’s inability to reform its economic system, which he believes is “broken” and cannot be fixed through diplomacy. He emphasized that the US is taking a serious approach to addressing this issue, stating that Cuba has been “buying time and waiting us out.”

In response to Rubio’s comments, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized him for labeling Cuba as a threat. The US has indicted several high-ranking officials, including former President Raul Castro, on charges related to the 1996 downing of a plane.

The renewed tensions between the two countries come amid rising military activity in the Caribbean, with the US announcing the arrival of navy ships and aircraft carriers for maritime exercises. Analysts have noted similarities between the Trump administration’s approach in Cuba and its actions in Venezuela, where President Nicolas Maduro was charged with “narcoterrorism” after being kidnapped by the Venezuelan military.

China has expressed support for Cuba, urging the US to de-escalate tensions and stop using force against the country. The Kremlin has also condemned the use of violence against heads of state, stating that such methods are unacceptable.

Source: Al Jazeera