US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Cuba as a “national security threat” to the United States, warning that the chances of reaching a peaceful agreement with the Cuban government remain low.
His remarks came one day after US authorities announced criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft linked to the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue. The incident killed four people, including three American citizens.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Washington still preferred a diplomatic solution but stressed that President Donald Trump had a responsibility to protect the country against any potential threat.
Rubio also accused Cuba of supporting terrorism in the region, claims strongly rejected by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Cuban authorities described the accusations as false and politically motivated, insisting the island has never threatened the United States.
Relations between Washington and Havana have continued to deteriorate in recent months as the Trump administration increases pressure on Cuba’s communist leadership through sanctions and diplomatic measures.
Cuba is currently facing a severe economic crisis marked by food shortages, fuel scarcity and repeated power outages. Cuban officials blame US restrictions and sanctions for worsening the situation on the island.
The latest indictment against Raúl Castro has further raised tensions between the two countries and sparked concerns over a possible escalation in US-Cuba relations.
Meanwhile, the US administration has continued targeting Cuban officials and individuals linked to state-controlled economic groups. Rubio also confirmed the arrest in Florida of a relative of a senior Cuban military-linked official as part of immigration enforcement actions.
President Trump said the United States was attempting to help the Cuban people “on a humanitarian basis” while maintaining pressure on the government in Havana.
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