By Zoila Palma: Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba met Friday at the perimeter of Guantánamo Bay Naval Station in what marked the highest-level military engagement between the two countries since the Trump administration intensified pressure on the Cuban government earlier this year.
The meeting involved General Francis L. Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, and senior Cuban military official Roberto Legrá Sotolongo.
According to U.S. Southern Command, the officials held a “brief exchange” focused on security matters surrounding the Guantánamo base, which still houses 15 prisoners linked to the war against terrorism. Cuban authorities described the talks as “positive,” saying both sides discussed security around the base perimeter and agreed to maintain communication between their military commands.
The meeting carried broader symbolic significance amid growing tensions between Washington and Havana. General Donovan, the top U.S. military officer overseeing operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, met with Cuban officials following a recent visit to Cuba by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The Trump administration has imposed an energy embargo on Cuba, contributing to severe oil shortages and growing food scarcity on the island.
Relations have further strained following the U.S. indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro over allegations tied to the 1996 downing of civilian aircraft. Although U.S. officials view a military raid to capture the 94-year-old former leader as unlikely, officials have privately indicated expectations of a continued military buildup around Cuba. Intelligence and reconnaissance flights near the island have increased, while the aircraft carrier Nimitz and an escort destroyer are set to remain in the Caribbean for several more days.
The United States has also announced plans for a new Marine Expeditionary Unit, known as Littoral Combat Force-24, headquartered in Puerto Rico and built around a 1,300-member Marine task force.
The post International News: U.S. and Cuban Military officials hold High-Level meeting near Guantánamo Base appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Senior military officials from the United States and Cuba met Friday at the perimeter of Guantánamo Bay Naval Station in what marked the highest-level military engagement between the two countries since the Trump administration intensified pressure on the Cuban government earlier this year. The meeting involved General Francis L. Donovan, head of U.S.
The post International News: U.S. and Cuban Military officials hold High-Level meeting near Guantánamo Base appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.