Cuba on America's War Table: Leaks Reveal Military Plans

SadaNews - CBS News reported, citing US officials, that the Pentagon is recently considering military options against Cuba, including "an attack involving thousands of American soldiers conducted by the 101st Airborne Division."

It added that "in recent weeks, planners have studied a range of options for potential action against the island, including an airstrike led by the US Army involving thousands of American soldiers, executed by the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for such a mission."

CBS explained that "these briefings do not indicate that President Trump or the Pentagon have decided to carry out a military operation against Cuba, as it would present the Pentagon with a significant dilemma, since a large part of US military interest and some of its most important offensive capabilities are focused elsewhere."

Officials reported that "the US Army held a briefing session late last month regarding the concept of operations to discuss initial military planning options for selected missions that could potentially be executed."

The Pentagon has transferred aircraft, intelligence assets, and other resources from various geographical areas to the Middle East to support operations against Iran, while officials speaking to CBS News stated that "shifting focus to Cuba is unlikely at this time, given the resumption of military operations against Iran."

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Cuban leaders to commit to genuine political and economic reforms "before it's too late," threatening the use of force by asserting that the United States will continue to use all available tools to counter what he described as "national security threats posed by the Cuban regime" and push for reforms that would offer the country "a better future."

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected US accusations that Cuba represents a "threat to American national security," pointing out that it is the United States that poses a threat.

Amid ongoing US pressure on Cuba, Washington expanded its sanctions by adding the Ministry of Tourism and several other governmental bodies and institutions to the sanctions list.