The principal U.S. commander in Latin America engaged in a brief meeting with Cuban military leaders on Friday. The discussions, which occurred near the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, focused on operational security concerns. This visit takes place as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Cuban leaders.
President Trump has stated that Cuba is next in line following the U.S. military’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a raid in January. Recently, the Trump administration imposed an oil blockade, deployed warships in the Caribbean, and filed federal charges against a former Cuban president.
Top advisers to President Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have held meetings with Cuban officials exploring potential improvements in relations. However, the U.S. side expressed dissatisfaction with the conversations, leading to further sanctions against Cuba.
On Friday, U.S. General Francis L. Donovan also assessed the security of the naval base. He discussed the safety of military personnel and their families, as well as operational readiness with base officials, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.
The U.S. maintains its presence at Guantanamo Bay despite long-standing tensions with Cuba’s socialist government, which President Trump aims to oust. Currently, the U.S. Navy operates with a limited fleet in the Caribbean, a smaller force compared to the one deployed during the action against Maduro.
The Pentagon announced the deployment of a new unit consisting of 1,300 sailors and Marines to replace the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was stationed in the region last year.