Admiral Alvin Holsey, Chief of U.S. Southern Command, expressed his concern about the danger that Cuba poses to U.S. national security.
During a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Holsey warned that Cuba "instead of addressing the economic disaster it has created with its failed policies, is strengthening its ties with the adversaries of the United States" such as China and Russia.
"The malicious actions of Cuba undermine our relationships in the region, foster irregular migration, and threaten the security of the United States," he explained.
The Admiral detailed that China is poised to capitalize on its diplomatic, economic, and military initiatives with the support of Cuba, which in turn receives telecommunications infrastructure to spy on its population and discourage political dissent.
"Cuba also serves as a nearby location for intelligence gathering and force deployment by our adversaries, which is particularly concerning given its proximity to the United States," he said.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Cuba serves as a base for intelligence gathering and the deployment of forces by adversaries of the United States, which is particularly concerning given its geographical proximity
Regarding Russia, Congressman Joe Wilson from South Carolina noted the presence of Russian ships in the Port of Havana, which he believes underscores Moscow's intention to maintain its influence in the region and support the Castro dictatorship.
Holsey also expressed concern about Russia's presence in Cuba and the flow of Iranian ships carrying goods and services to Venezuela, describing the situation as "very challenging" for the security of the United States.
However, he assured that he has the aircraft and ships to "block those maneuvers."
SouthCOM, headquartered in Doral, Florida, is the entity responsible for U.S. military cooperation in the Western Hemisphere. Its role is crucial in implementing defense strategies and assistance to allied countries in the fight against organized crime and other transnational threats.
In February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Alvin Holsey and other leaders of the command to discuss Washington's priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the challenges related to regional security.
During the meeting, strategies were discussed to strengthen cooperation in defense and stability in the region, in a context of growing concern over irregular migration and the influence of foreign actors in the hemisphere.
Rubio was accompanied by representatives from the State Department and other government agencies, underscoring the importance that the U.S. administration places on these issues.
"The 'America First' policy involves looking at our own region. Our joint effort of focused diplomacy and military excellence makes the United States safer and stronger," Rubio stated after the meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Threat of Cuba to U.S. Security.
Why does the U.S. Southern Command consider Cuba a threat to national security?
Admiral Alvin Holsey, Chief of the United States Southern Command, believes that Cuba is a threat to the national security of the U.S. due to its ties with adversarial countries such as China and Russia. Cuba facilitates intelligence gathering and the deployment of forces that threaten U.S. security, as well as encouraging irregular migration and undermining U.S. relations in the region.
How is Cuba strengthening its relations with China and Russia?
Cuba is strengthening its relations with China and Russia through cooperation in telecommunications infrastructure and the facilitation of intelligence operations. China, for example, is supporting Cuba with infrastructure to spy on its population. Russia has shown its support for the Castro dictatorship, evidenced by the presence of Russian ships in the Port of Havana.
What measures is the U.S. taking to counter the threat posed by Cuba?
The Southern Command, led by Admiral Alvin Holsey, is prepared to counter adverse maneuvers through the use of aircraft and ships. Furthermore, the U.S. is strengthening military and diplomatic cooperation in the region to counteract the influence of Cuba and its allies, China and Russia, in the Western Hemisphere.
What is the influence of the "America First" policy in the region?
The policy of "America First" entails a focus on strengthening regional security and stability. The U.S. administration aims to enhance diplomacy and military excellence to improve security in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing irregular migration and the influence of foreign actors such as Cuba, China, and Russia.
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