The South Command Chief of the United States, Admiral Francis Donovan, declared this Thursday before Congress that there are no preparations for a Cuba Takeover by the US Army. In a key session, Donovan emphasized that his command does not participate in any military scheme against Havana.
Clear Statement in Washington
Donovan, responsible for operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, directly responded to legislative concerns. He affirmed not knowing plans of the Trump Administration to finance or support Cuban opposition groups in exile. “There are no preparations for a Cuba Takeover“, he assured, calming speculations that circulated in regional networks and media.
Historical Context of Tensions with Cuba
The Cuba Takeover evokes memories of the 1962 Missile Crisis, when the US and the USSR were on the brink of nuclear war due to Soviet presence on the island. Since then, the US economic embargo persists, with renewed sanctions under Trump in 2017-2021. Department of State data indicates that Cuba faces commercial restrictions for over 60 years, affecting its economy by 11% of the annual GDP according to CEPAL estimates.
Expert Opinions on the Cuba Takeover
Analysts like Brian Latell, former CIA analyst, highlight that any military action would require congressional approval and face international opposition. In contrast, dissident Cuban voices in Miami push for changes, but Donovan denied direct links. A 2025 Congressional report reveals that the South Command budget focuses on narcotics and natural disasters, not interventions.
- Budget 2026: $1.2 billion for regional operations.
- 1962 Crisis: Naval blockade prevented escalation.
- Current Sanctions: Impact Cuban exports by $2 billion annually.
Implications for the Caribbean
From the Dominican Republic, this statement alleviates fears of regional instability. The South Command Chief emphasized cooperation with allies like Colombia and Brazil against common threats. Experts predict that the Cuba Takeover is ruled out under international norms, prioritizing diplomacy. In session, Donovan cited: “Our missions are defensive, not offensive”.
The denial of the South Command Chief on the Cuba Takeover reinforces the non-intervention stance, in a context of 2 million Cuban diaspora in the US and internal protests in the island since 2021. We monitor developments.
