Washington, United States. The top U.S. general overseeing American forces in Latin America told lawmakers the U.S. military is not rehearsing for an invasion of Cuba or preparing to take over the island. He said U.S. forces remain ready to respond to specific contingencies if required.
Donovan’s testimony on Cuba
General Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, said the U.S. stands ready to address any threats to the U.S. embassy, defend its base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and aid U.S. government efforts to address any mass migration from the island, if needed.
Asked whether the U.S. was conducting military rehearsals involving seizing, occupying, or otherwise asserting control over Cuba, Donovan said: “U.S. Southern Command is not.” Asked whether he knew of any U.S. military command doing so, he responded: “No.”
Senate hearing on expanded U.S. military activity
Donovan’s remarks came during a Senate hearing focused on President Donald Trump’s increased use of the U.S. military in Latin America, where his administration has re-asserted the idea that the region falls into Washington’s zone of influence.
Trump has launched military strikes on suspected drug boats and is expanding counter-narcotics alliances with pro-Washington governments in Latin America, including joint operations with Ecuador on the ground earlier this month.
Venezuela operation and follow-up talks
In January, U.S. special forces seized Venezuela’s then-President Nicolas Maduro in a raid on his Caracas compound and took him to New York to face drug-trafficking charges.
Donovan, who was the No. 2 at Special Operations Command at the time of the raid, made a surprise visit to Venezuela for security talks last month shortly after taking over the Latin America post.
Trump comments and economic pressure on Cuba
Trump said on Monday that he expected to take Cuba “in some form” and said, “I can do anything I want” with the neighboring country, about 90 miles (180 km) south of Florida’s Key West. The article said U.S. efforts so far appear aimed at creating economic leverage over the island.
Trump has halted all Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, leading to severe energy rationing and broader economic disruption, according to the article. On Monday, Cuba’s electric grid collapsed, leaving the country of 10 million people without power.
What actions should the U.S. take if threats emerge to its embassy or base at Guantanamo Bay?