U.S. military lays groundwork for potential action around Cuba, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-groundwork-potential-action-cuba-trump/)
25-09-2026
Based on the CBS News report, here are the key details regarding the U.S. military laying the groundwork for potential action involving Cuba:
Army Reserve Planning: An internal U.S. Army message revealed that the Army Reserve is assessing whether it can supply U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) with support formations within the next 90 to 120 days. While the message does not explicitly name Cuba, multiple U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed that the planning is aimed at contingency options regarding Cuba.
Requested Capabilities: The request seeks feedback on the availability of six types of units, including a combat sustainment support battalion, an expeditionary sustainment command, an engineer battalion, a medical brigade, a forward surgical detachment, and a military police brigade (often tasked with security and detention operations).
No Deployment Orders Yet: The documents and officials noted that no units have received official deployment orders, and the Pentagon has not formally authorized an operation. SOUTHCOM stated it does not comment on operational timelines or movements but continuously assesses requirements across its area of responsibility.
Prior Preparations & Reconnaissance: Earlier reporting and sources indicate that American forces had previously conducted seafloor and maritime reconnaissance around Cuba. In addition, military planners had reviewed various scenarios, including potential air assault options involving the 101st Airborne Division, and air components had briefly been placed on heightened readiness before those specific plans were paused.
Broader Geopolitical & Regional Context: The military planning coincides with intensified political and economic pressure from the Trump administration under what officials call the “Donroe Doctrine,” aimed at countering foreign adversarial influence (such as Russia, China, and Iran) in the Western Hemisphere. At the United Nations, President Trump stated that his administration seeks fundamental change on the island, predicting the government “will fall,” while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned U.S. policy as economic aggression and warned that Cuba would resist any military attack.