Event
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned of a "bloodbath" in the event of a US attack, as Washington imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s intelligence agency and senior officials. The escalation follows reports that Havana has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. The US Treasury sanctioned the intelligence agency, nine Cuban nationals, and several top Communist Party officials and generals. Tensions have risen amid US pressure, including an oil blockade exacerbated by halted Venezuelan shipments, which has contributed to a severe energy crisis in Cuba.
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President Miguel Diaz-Canel asserts the island’s right to self-defence as diplomatic friction intensifies over an oil blockade and alleged military stockpiling.
Background
Tensions between Cuba and the United States have escalated following reports that Havana has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. In response, the US Treasury imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s main intelligence agency, nine Cuban nationals, and several senior Communist Party officials and generals. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned that a US attack would result in a "bloodbath," asserting Cuba’s right to self-defence. The diplomatic friction occurs against a backdrop of severe economic strain in Cuba, driven by an oil blockade and halted Venezuelan shipments, which has led to significant energy crises and blackouts. Concurrently, the Trump administration is reportedly seeking to indict former President Raul Castro, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently visited Havana for negotiations.
Tensions between Cuba and the United States have escalated following reports that Havana has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. In response, the US Treasury imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s main intelligence agency, nine Cuban nationals, and several senior Com
Fact cards
Key entities: Cuba, United States, Miguel Diaz-Canel, Russia, Iran, US Treasury, Guantanamo Bay, Venezuela.
What did President Diaz-Canel warn would happen if the US attacks? He warned of a "bloodbath" and asserted Havana's right to self-defence. What military equipment has Cuba reportedly acquired? Reports suggest Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. What a
Recent past: CIA Director John Ratcliffe visits Havana for negotiations. Recent past: US news site Axios reports, citing unnamed US intelligence officials, that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran. Monday: A merchant ship under a Panamanian flag arrive
Timeline
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visits Havana for negotiations.
US news site Axios reports, citing unnamed US intelligence officials, that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
A merchant ship under a Panamanian flag arrives in Cuba with 1,700 tons of humanitarian aid from Mexico.
The US Treasury imposes sanctions on Cuba’s intelligence agency, nine Cuban nationals, and senior officials.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warns of a "bloodbath" in the event of a US attack.
FAQ
He warned of a "bloodbath" and asserted Havana's right to self-defence.
Reports suggest Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Cuba's main intelligence agency and its top leaders.
The reports were published by the US news site Axios.
The accuracy of the Axios report has not been independently verified by Linxi News.