Top General Denies US Military Preparing for Cuba Takeover

The head of US Southern Command, Gen. Francis Donovan, has reassured lawmakers that the US military is not preparing for an invasion or takeover of Cuba. Despite President Trump's increasing use of force in the region and comments about potentially taking control of the island, Donovan said the Pentagon is not actively rehearsing or planning any such military action.

However, Donovan did note that the US military stands ready to address any threats to the US embassy in Havana, defend its base at Guantanamo Bay, and aid US government efforts to address any mass migration from Cuba, if necessary. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}

The general's testimony comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba, particularly under the Trump administration. While the US has long had a contentious relationship with the communist-ruled island, the current president has taken a much more aggressive stance, threatening military intervention and tightening economic sanctions.

Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned Donovan on the military's preparations, expressing concern over Trump's rhetoric and the potential for miscalculation. Donovan reassured the committee that the US military's focus remains on addressing regional threats and supporting diplomatic efforts, not rehearsing for an invasion of Cuba. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}

The general's testimony underscores the delicate balance the US must strike between maintaining its hardline position on Cuba while avoiding any actions that could escalate tensions and lead to a direct military confrontation. As the Biden administration reviews its Cuba policy, the future of US-Cuba relations remains uncertain, with the specter of potential military intervention still looming. {{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}