US General Meets with Senior Cuban Military Officials

The general in charge of U.S. forces in Latin America held a rare meeting with senior Cuban military officials amid growing concerns in Havana about the risk of military confrontation with Washington.

Southcom Commander Francis L. Donovan (center) meets with Cuban military officials in the area surrounding the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay on May 29 - Photo: Southcom

According to Reuters, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed on May 29 that its commander, General Francis Donovan, met with a Cuban military delegation in the perimeter area of ​​the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

According to the agency, the two sides had a brief exchange on operational security issues and security around the demarcation line of the base. The Cuban side included General Roberto Legra Sotolongo, First Deputy Chief of the General Staff Office.

"General Donovan also conducted a security assessment of the base perimeter, discussing force protection, the safety of servicemen and their families, and combat readiness," SOUTHCOM said.

The Cuban armed forces confirmed that the meeting was held on the basis of mutual agreement and said that both Washington and Havana positively assessed the exchange and agreed to maintain military contact.

According to Reuters, this marks the first time in years that a Southcom commander has visited Cuba and had direct contact with the country's military. This meeting also follows a rare visit to Havana in early May by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Meanwhile, US-Cuba relations remain strained under President Donald Trump's second term. Trump has repeatedly mentioned Cuba as a key focus of his foreign policy and hinted that Havana could become Washington's next priority after the war with Iran.

The Trump administration has also recently been increasing pressure on Cuba, with strong support from the hardline Cuban-American community in Florida.

Earlier on May 20, Washington also announced the indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro on four counts of murder related to the downing of a civilian aircraft in 1996.

In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez warned that any military action against the island nation could lead to "a bloodbath," resulting in the deaths of thousands of Cubans and Americans.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuong-my-gap-cac-quan-chuc-quan-su-cap-cao-cuba-20260530094935621.htm