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The Cuban regime denounced the presence of U.S. troops in the southern Caribbean and rejected claims that it is an operation against drug trafficking.
Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez wrote this Monday on the social media platform X that naval and air movements respond to the "corrupt agenda" of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and called for Latin America and the Caribbean to be respected as a "zone of peace."
“We denounce the presence of U.S. naval and air military forces in the southern Caribbean that, under false pretenses, respond to the corrupt agenda of the Secretary of State. Latin America and the Caribbean must be respected as a Zone of Peace,” stated Rodríguez.
According to revelations from CNN last week, the Donald Trump administration began to deploy about 4,000 troops, mostly Marines, to strengthen its presence in the Caribbean and Latin American waters under the pretext of the fight against drugs.
The operation includes P8 Poseidon reconnaissance planes, destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and a warship with missiles, according to U.S. media.
The mission is part of an expansion of military competencies that, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, range from territorial defense to immigration control, combating drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Cuba recalled that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) declared the region a "zone of peace" in 2014, a principle that, according to the government, is threatened by the increase of military operations in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Militarization of the Caribbean and Cuba's Response
Why does Cuba accuse the U.S. of using the drug war as an excuse to militarize the Caribbean?
Cuba denounces that the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is driven by political interests, not anti-drug objectives. The Cuban regime, through its Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, asserts that military operations are motivated by a "corrupt agenda" of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, rather than by genuine intentions to combat drug trafficking.
What military operations is the U.S. conducting in the Caribbean?
The U.S. has deployed more than 4,000 personnel, including Marines, in the Caribbean. The operation includes reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and a missile warship. This deployment is part of a strategy to combat drug cartels, which the Trump administration considers terrorist organizations.
How has the international community reacted to the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean?
The international reaction has been one of concern over a possible escalation of tensions in the region. Countries like Mexico have expressed their rejection of these unilateral measures by the U.S., warning that they could be interpreted as a gateway to direct intervention. Furthermore, CELAC had previously declared Latin America and the Caribbean as a "zone of peace," a principle that is now under threat.
What justification does the U.S. offer for its military presence in the Caribbean?
The United States justifies its military presence in the Caribbean as part of a strategy to confront drug cartels designated as global terrorists. According to the Trump administration, these organizations represent an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security. The deployment aims to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and strengthen border security.
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