US Army plans for possible Cuba operation: Police, medical units could be ready within 120 days — Report

The military planning comes as President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Cuba and called for fundamental political change on the island.

The US Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide military police, medical personnel and other support units to the US Southern Command within the next four months, as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Cuba, CBS News reported.

An internal Army message reviewed by the news outlet asks subordinate commands to assess the availability of six types of formations that could potentially come under Southern Command. The document says the units could be “possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days” and asks commands to respond to Army Reserve headquarters by September 25.

No deployment orders issued

The message itself does not mention Cuba, does not specify the number of troops required, and does not identify where the forces could be deployed or what operation they would support. Multiple US officials told CBS News that the request is part of continued military planning focused on Cuba.

There is also no indication in the document that any units have received deployment orders, according to CBS News.

Trump escalates pressure on Cuba

The latest Army Reserve planning comes as Trump has stepped up pressure on Havana. In his September 22 address to the UN General Assembly, Trump called Cuba a “failed state” and said his administration was seeking a “fundamental change” there. He also said, “freedom will be coming to Cuba.” The Cuban delegation walked out during his remarks.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Cuba would defend its sovereignty and accused Washington of portraying the country as a threat to justify its policies.

Cuba faces fuel shortages, repeated blackouts

The US has maintained its long-running trade embargo on Cuba, while the Trump administration has intensified economic pressure on the island. Cuba's power grid has collapsed repeatedly this year, with millions left without electricity during the latest outage reported by CBS News on September 19.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said conditions in Cuba will not improve without changes by the country's leadership.

Cuba rejects US pressure

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel subsequently said Cuba would defend its sovereignty and accused Washington of portraying the country as a threat to justify its policies.

The Trump administration has imposed additional economic pressure on Havana, including restrictions affecting fuel supplies. Cuba has faced severe electricity shortages and repeated power-grid failures amid its broader economic crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said that conditions in Cuba will not improve without changes by the country's leadership.

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