US military reveals possible plans for action around Cuba, CBS News finds - report

The US Army is weighing whether to provide the military’s Southern Command with police, medical personnel, and other support units, according to an internal message CBS News obtained.

Multiple US officials told CBS News anonymously that the internal message was for continued military planning around Cuba, although the message itself did not specifically mention Cuba.

CBS News also reported that the message gave no indication that units had already received deployment orders. Instead, the message sought feedback from subordinate commands on the possibility of placing extra personnel and military resources under the authority of US Southern Command.

The message comes after almost nine months of intense economic pressure on Cuba and a naval blockade to force political reforms on the island nation. 

Among the units requested are a combat sustainment support battalion, an engineer battalion, a medical brigade, and a military police brigade. The internal message also sought an expeditionary sustainment command to oversee military logistics across a theater of operations, according to CBS News.

The US Army Reserve has not responded to CBS News’ request for comment.

Cuba accuses US of acts of 'aggression' 

A US Southern Command spokesperson did tell CBS News that, “Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on US operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies, or planning."

"However, US Southern Command continuously coordinates with the Joint Forces to assess a range of potential requirements across its [area of responsibility] in support of assigned missions,” the spokesperson added.

US forces conducted reconnaissance operations on the seafloor and naval approaches around Cuba. Other US military forces were told to prepare for potential deployment, US military personnel told CBS News.

US President Donald Trump has kept up economic pressure since January, accusing Cuba of strengthening its ties with Russia, China and Iran. US intelligence officials have reportedly analyzed potential Cuban responses to US military attacks.

US military officials who spoke with CBS News did mention that the briefings were not a direct indication that Trump or the Pentagon had decided to order a military operation against Cuba.

US sanctions and an oil blockade of the island nation have put severe strain on Cuban society, with nationwide electrical grid blackouts and skyrocketing inflation.

In response to US actions, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel vowed to counter any US attack and accused the US of “aggression” and “economic warfare” by blocking oil imports into his country.

In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said his administration was seeking a “fundamental change” in Cuba and predicted its communist government “will fall” and declared that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.” Cuba’s delegation to the UN walked out of the hall during Trump’s speech.

In his address, Trump also said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was negotiating with Havana and said the US would not allow foreign enemies of the US to establish a foothold “on our own doorstep.”

Earlier this year, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House that he has considered “taking Cuba.”

“Taking Cuba. I mean, whether I free it or take it. I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth,” Trump said in March.

Trump also commented on US operations in Venezuela and Iran and said, “Cuba’s going to be next.”