Cuba Accuses US of Manufacturing “Fraudulent Case” for Military Action Amid Drone Allegations

Cuba has accused the United States of deliberately building a “fraudulent case” to justify possible military intervention, following reports that Havana may have acquired hundreds of attack drones capable of reaching US territory, including Florida.

The dispute escalated after US news outlet Axios reported, citing classified intelligence, that Cuba has obtained more than 300 military drones since 2023 and has considered potential strike scenarios against nearby US targets. These alleged targets reportedly include the US naval base at Guantánamo Bay, American warships operating in the Caribbean, and even Key West in Florida, which lies just 90 miles from the Cuban coast.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez strongly rejected the claims, insisting that Washington is deliberately distorting intelligence to create justification for pressure or conflict. In a statement shared on social media, he said Cuba “neither threatens nor desires war” and accused US authorities of repeatedly constructing a narrative designed to justify economic pressure and possible military escalation.

Rodríguez further argued that parts of the media were amplifying unverified intelligence leaks, calling the reports part of a broader campaign of misinformation. He stressed that Cuba reserves the right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter, but denied any intention of launching attacks on US territory.

The Axios report also claimed that US intelligence assessments suggest possible involvement of Iranian military advisers in Havana and growing cooperation between Cuba and countries such as Russia and Iran in drone technology development. US officials cited in the report described the situation as a developing security concern, though they did not suggest that an attack was imminent.

Tensions between Washington and Havana have been building against the backdrop of Cuba’s deepening economic crisis. The country is currently facing severe fuel shortages, widespread blackouts, and shortages of food and medicine, conditions Cuban officials partly attribute to long-standing US sanctions and restrictions on oil imports.

These economic pressures have intensified domestic strain, with rolling power cuts affecting hospitals, water systems, and public services across the island. The crisis has also contributed to rare public demonstrations in recent months, reflecting growing frustration over deteriorating living conditions.

The latest diplomatic row comes as relations between the two countries remain fragile, with limited channels of communication and ongoing disagreements over sanctions, security policy, and regional influence. While Cuban officials insist they are open to dialogue, they continue to accuse Washington of using security claims as justification for tightening economic and political pressure.

As both sides exchange accusations, the situation adds to rising geopolitical tension in the Caribbean, with concerns that miscalculation or escalation could further strain already fragile US-Cuba relations.