US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have once again threatened the possibility of a military operation against Cuba amid new sanctions and criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raul Castro.
Trump and Rubio escalate rhetoric on Cuba
President of the United States Donald Trump and the Secretary of State Marco Rubio the question was raised again military intervention in Cuba. This comes after the administration announced criminal charges against the island's former leader Raul Castro. Trump told reporters that previous US presidents had considered taking action against Cuba for decades, but “it looks like I'm going to be the one to do it”. He added that he would be happy to do so.
Rubio: diplomacy is unlikely
Rubio, known for his tough stance on Cuban authorities, said the administration is committed to resolving the conflict with Havana peacefully, but doubts the success of diplomacy with the island's current leadership. “The likelihood of that happening, given who we're dealing with right now, is low,” he said before leaving for the NATO summit in Sweden. He emphasised that the US is serious and will not allow Cuba to “stall”. Rubio also stressed that Washington always has the option of defending its national interests by any means necessary.
Sanctions and criminal charges
Federal prosecutors have charged Raul Castro accusation of involvement in the downing of civilian aircraft in 1996. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called it a political provocation. Recent talks between US and Cuban officials have not yielded results, and Washington has imposed new sanctions on the Cuban government. The biggest restrictions relate to the Gaesa holding, which is controlled by the Cuban military.
Arrests and energy blockade
Rubio said that the president's sister, who lived in the United States, lost her green card and was detained by immigration authorities. He criticised previous administrations for allowing the families of Cuban military officers to live in luxury in America. After. arrest Nicolas Maduro in January and the introduction of energy blockade Cuba is facing large-scale power outages, food shortages and an economic crisis.
International reaction
China opposed US sanctions and pressure on Cuba. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Beijing supports Havana in defending its sovereignty and opposes external interference.
