Donald Trump is turning his attention to Cuba as Washington increases its intelligence assets on the island. The US is reportedly trying to force the country’s communist regime to fall or reform, two people familiar with the administration’s plans told Politico.
This could involve a military operation or increased efforts to turn officials and citizens against the regime. A potential military operation could see the US thrown into another war, as the President also continues to threaten Iran with further strikes.
One of the sources told the outlet that “Iran doesn’t need to be solved before we go there”, adding that Cuba is a “huge priority” for Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Mr Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, recently indicated that the country is running out of time to reform its government as it continues to resist the US’ demands for change.
His state department recently released a document accusing Cuba of knowingly committing illegal acts for decades, as part of Mr Trump’s wider campaign against those he believes are communists and socialists.
An official in the department last month accused Cuba of “exporting the anti-colonial, Third Worldist resentment now taking root within our own institutions”, according to an email seen by Politico.
The first source revealed that spies and assets have recently been sent to Cuba, while the second said the CIA’s “presence” was increasing.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe was sent to the island in May to call for major reforms, and days later, the US Justice Department brought charges against former President Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel.
The charges relate to the deaths of four people trying to rescue Cuban exiles at sea in 1996, during which time Castro was the defence minister.
The sources claimed the administration “is going to pursue all the conventional tools, including intelligence community resources” to push for change.
However, the second source added that Mr Trump “prefers diplomacy” as the way to achieve his goals.