CBS: US military prepares for possible Cuba operation

The US Army Reserve is examining whether it can provide police forces, medical personnel and other support units to US Southern Command within the next four months, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News.

Although the message does not mention Cuba, multiple US officials told CBS News that the request is part of ongoing military planning related to the island. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly.

There is no indication that any units have been ordered to deploy. The planning comes as the Trump administration increases economic pressure on Cuba and calls for political reforms.

The Army Reserve message asks subordinate commands to assess the possible availability of six types of formations that could come under Southern Command. The units could be "possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days", and commands were asked to respond by 25 September.

The formations include a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for logistics such as transport, maintenance, fuel and supplies, as well as an engineer battalion and an expeditionary sustainment command.

The document also seeks a medical brigade, a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment and a military police brigade responsible for security, detention and other law enforcement missions.

The Army Reserve did not respond to CBS News before publication.

Southern Command said it did not disclose details of operational movements or potential deployment timelines, citing operational security concerns. It said it "continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess a range of potential requirements" in support of its assigned missions.

Earlier this year, US forces conducted reconnaissance operations on the seafloor and maritime approaches around Cuba, according to US military personnel who spoke to CBS News. US airpower units were also placed on heightened readiness and directed to prepare personnel for possible deployment, although those plans did not proceed.

CBS News reported in July that US military planners had examined several options for possible action against Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving thousands of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. Officials stressed at the time that the planning did not mean the president or Pentagon had decided to launch an operation.

The developments come as President Donald Trump has pursued a more assertive US role in the Western Hemisphere and imposed sanctions on Cuban entities and officials.

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York this week, Trump said his administration was seeking a "fundamental change" in Cuba and predicted that the country's communist government would fall. He also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was engaged in negotiations with Havana.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed to resist any US attack and accused Washington of "aggression" and "economic warfare".

Trump has made increasingly explicit statements about Cuba in recent months. In March, he told reporters that he believed he would have "the honour of taking Cuba", later saying: "Cuba's going to be next."

By Aghakazim Guliyev