The US is planning a “set of actions“ against Cuba and is ready to carry out President Donald Trump's orders, the Pentagon said, commenting on reports of preparations for a military operation on the island.
“We will not speculate on hypothetical scenarios. The Department is planning a set of extraordinary actions and remains ready to carry out the President's orders when they are received“, the department told RIA Novosti.
Earlier, USA Today, citing informed sources, reported that the US Department of War had begun preparations for a possible operation in Cuba.
On Monday, the head of the White House said that the United States may “look“ at Cuba after resolving all issues with Iran. Previously, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel noted that Cubans are ready to fight and die for their country. He described reaching an agreement with Washington as difficult but possible, stressing that military aggression cannot be justified.
In late January, Trump signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba. He also declared a state of emergency due to an alleged threat to national security arising from it.
Since then, the country has been experiencing a fuel crisis. This has led to periodic power outages on the island, and protests have occasionally erupted. The government claims that Washington is using the energy blockade to suffocate the Cuban economy and make living conditions unbearable.
In late March, the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin delivered 100,000 tons of oil to Cuba as humanitarian aid.