Trump Suggests Possible Military Operation in Cuba, Similar to Venezuela

Washington - US President Donald Trump has said his administration could carry out a military operation in Cuba, similar to actions taken against Venezuela earlier this year. “Maybe, maybe so,” Trump stated in an interview with Axios on Friday (19/6). While no specific timeline has been set for any action against Cuba, Trump confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be “very” involved in the matter. Trump also claimed that Cuba “very much” wants to engage in dialogue with the United States. In late January, the US imposed tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, alongside declaring a national emergency citing a threat from Cuba to US security. Cuba has accused the United States of exploiting its energy embargo to “strangle” the island nation’s economy and destroy the living conditions of its people. In mid-May, the US Department of Justice indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro and five Cuban military personnel for their involvement in shooting down two planes linked to the Miami-based Cuban exile group “Brothers to the Rescue”. Cuba has denounced the charges as a political provocation, while asserting its right to self-defence, as the exile group’s aircraft had repeatedly violated Cuban airspace.