Report claims Cuba sought Russian drones while discussing attacks near US coast

Cuba reportedly sought to acquire drones and other military equipment from Russia while examining potential attack scenarios involving American targets near the United States mainland. Allegations include scenario planning involving the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, targets in the region, and American military vessels. US officials claim Cuba studied how it resisted sustained American military pressure during past confrontations. The claims further state Cuba obtained more than 300 Russian and Iranian drones of varying capability and stored them at multiple sites. Cuba’s proximity to the United States is alleged to make it valuable for intelligence gathering, with espionage facilities collecting signals intelligence for China and Russia. The allegations coincide with renewed scrutiny of Cuban ties to Moscow and Tehran and warnings delivered during a CIA director visit. US officials also allege thousands of Cuban nationals participated in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, gaining exposure to modern drone tactics.

"One senior US official claimed Cuba had already obtained more than 300 Russian and Iranian drones of varying capability, allegedly storing them at multiple sites across the island. “When we think about those types of technologies being that close, and a range of bad actors from terror groups to drug cartels to Iranians to the Russians, it's concerning,” the official told Axios."

"The report alleges that Cuban officials explored scenarios involving the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base , targets in and American military vessels operating in the region. According to the officials quoted, Havana has also attempted to study how has resisted sustained American military pressure during periods of confrontation with Washington."

"The report further claimed that Cuba's geographic proximity to the United States makes it strategically valuable for intelligence gathering, with espionage facilities on the island allegedly collecting signals intelligence for both China and Russia. The allegations come amid rising tensions between the United States and Cuba and renewed scrutiny of Havana's links to Moscow and Tehran."

"A CIA official quoted in the report said: “Director Ratcliffe made clear that Cuba can no longer serve as a platform for adversaries to advance hostile agendas in our hemisphere.” US officials also alleged that thousands of Cuban nationals have been involved in Russia's war effort in Ukraine, with some gaining exposure to modern drone warfare tactics being employed on the battlefield"

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