In a significant Senate briefing, the head of US Southern Command has firmly denied that American forces are preparing for a military takeover of Cuba, even as former President Donald Trump escalates his rhetoric about seizing the neighboring island.
No Invasion Rehearsals Underway
General Francis Donovan, who oversees US military operations in Latin America, explicitly told lawmakers that no rehearsals for an invasion or occupation of Cuba are being conducted. "US Southern Command is not," Donovan stated when questioned about any military exercises aimed at asserting control over the island. He further confirmed that he was unaware of any other US command engaging in such preparations.
Context of Trump's Aggressive Posture
Donovan's remarks came during a hearing focused on Trump's increasing use of military force in Latin America, where his administration has reasserted Washington's influence in the region. Trump recently sparked concern by stating he expects to "take" Cuba "in some form" and claimed, "I can do anything I want" with the country, which lies just 90 miles south of Florida.
Despite this aggressive talk, current US efforts appear centered on economic leverage rather than direct military action. Trump has piled tremendous pressure on Cuba by halting all Venezuelan oil shipments, forcing the island into severe energy rationing and causing much of its economy to grind to a halt. This culminated in a complete collapse of Cuba's electric grid on Monday, leaving 10 million people without power.
Military Readiness for Specific Scenarios
While denying invasion plans, Donovan emphasized that the Pentagon remains prepared to address specific threats. He outlined three key areas of readiness:
- Protecting the US embassy in Havana from any potential threats
- Defending the American military base at Guantánamo Bay
- Aiding US government efforts to manage any mass migration from Cuba if necessary
The general noted that Guantánamo Bay has suffered significant storm damage and requires fresh investment. "I won't pull any punches, it's in rough shape," Donovan said, explaining that hurricane damage has left the base with only one working pier and one refueling pier. He described the facility as "a pivotal point for any operations in the Caribbean."
Broader Regional Military Activities
The hearing also addressed Trump's broader military actions in Latin America, including:
- The January raid in which US special forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from his Caracas compound and transported him to New York to face drug-trafficking charges
- Military strikes on alleged drug boats that have killed at least 157 people
- Expanding counter-narcotics alliances with pro-Washington governments like Ecuador, where joint US-local operations occurred earlier this month
Donovan, who was second-in-command at Special Operations Command during the Caracas raid, made a surprise visit to Venezuela for security talks last month shortly after assuming his current position.
Diplomatic Context and Historical Tensions
Questions about military intentions come as Cuba and the US have opened talks aimed at improving their historically adverse relations, which have reached one of the most contentious moments in the 67 years since Fidel Castro overthrew a government that was once a close US ally.
The hearing highlighted how US military focus has shifted from combating militant groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State over the past two decades to renewed attention on Caribbean locations that officials say have suffered from underinvestment during that period.
As Cuba grapples with its devastating power crisis and economic challenges, Donovan's testimony provides clarity that while the US military maintains readiness for specific contingencies, no active invasion preparations are underway despite Trump's provocative statements about taking control of the island nation.
