Is the US preparing for an operation in Cuba? Army Reserve seeks troops for possible Southern Command mission: Report | Today’s news
An internal US Army memo reviewed by CBS News reportedly revealed that the Army Reserve is investigating whether it can provide police forces, medical personnel and other support units to the Army’s Southern Command over the next four months.
Although the report does not mention Cuba, the request is for continued military planning focused on Cuba, multiple U.S. officials told CBS News.
According to the report in the document, there is no indication that any units have been ordered to deploy.
The report doesn’t even say how many troops would be needed in the Southern Command area, which covers Central and South America, including the Caribbean.
It also does not specify where the forces might be sent or what operation they would support.
A document reviewed by CBS News claimed that the Army Reserve Command is seeking feedback from subordinate commands on the possible availability of six types of formations that would fall under the authority of US Southern Command.
The units “may (be) needed in 90-120 days,” according to the report, which directs commands to provide feedback to Army Reserve Command by Sept. 25.
Among the units is a combat support battalion that specializes in coordinating logistics such as transportation, maintenance, fuel and supply needs, along with an engineer battalion.
The document also seeks an expeditionary support command that would oversee logistics across the theater of operations, CBS News reported.
The draft document also calls for a medical brigade to command and coordinate medical units, as well as a forward resuscitation and surgical unit to provide emergency surgery and trauma care closer to U.S. forces.
Finally, the document seeks a military police brigade – these units typically oversee military police forces responsible for security, detention and other law enforcement missions.
The Mint could not confirm the news.
“Operational safety concerns”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Southern Command told the paper: “Due to operational security concerns, we do not release details or comment on US operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies or planning.”
“However, US Southern Command is continuously coordinating with joint forces to assess a number of potential requirements within its (area of responsibility) in support of assigned missions,” the spokesman added.
Earlier this year, U.S. forces conducted seabed reconnaissance operations and naval approaches around the Cuban island, several U.S. military officials told CBS News.
Separately, components of the U.S. Air Force were placed on high alert and directed to advance personnel for potential deployment.
However, these plans did not work out. CBS News is not releasing certain details that could potentially endanger U.S. service members.
The alleged planning comes as the Trump administration is putting intense economic pressure on Cuba and urging the island nation to make political reforms.
Cuba’s geopolitical situation took a dramatic turn in January when US commandos captured the island’s main ally, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and took him to New York to stand trial on drug charges.
Since then, Venezuela has halted fuel exports to Cuba and interim President Delcy Rodríguez has been welcomed by Trump, whom she met this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
US sanctions against Cuba
According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration will hit Cuba with economic sanctions and a de facto fuel embargo that have worsened blackouts and led to shortages of essential goods.
Even if the electricity grid is working, fuel restrictions mean most people only have electricity for a few hours a day, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío said on Friday.
In response to the crisis, Cuba introduced more than 170 proposals that gave free rein to the private sector and relaxed import rules.
But those free-market reforms won’t work because the U.S. is “starving or suffocating the people of Cuba into submission,” said the minister responsible for managing relations with the U.S.
Talks between Washington and Havana have effectively stalled due to continued US pressure, De Cossío added. He also flagged what he called contradictions in Trump’s speech at the United Nations this week.
Ending more than 67 years of one-party rule in Cuba is a priority for Trump and the Republican Party. But some analysts say that could change if Democrats win control of the House and Senate during November’s midterm elections.
(With input from agencies)
