A top US military commander held a rare meeting with senior Cuban military officials at the perimeter of the US Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, in a sign of rising pressure and direct military communication between Washington and Havana.
Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, met with a Cuban delegation that included Gen. Roberto Legra Sotolongo, a senior Cuban military official. The discussion focused on operational security, the safety of US service members and their families, force protection and readiness around the Guantanamo base.
The meeting comes as President Donald Trump’s administration increases pressure on the Cuban regime. Cuba has been facing deep economic strain, power shortages and growing fear inside the regime that Washington may be preparing stronger action. The Trump administration has also escalated its legal and diplomatic campaign against the Cuban leadership, including charges against former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian aircraft operated by Cuban exiles.
For Cuba’s communist regime, the meeting is a warning sign. The US is making clear that it is closely watching the island, protecting its forces at Guantanamo and keeping direct channels open while pressure on Havana continues to build.