US Army reportedly preparing groundwork for possible action involving Cuba
An internal document obtained by CBS News shows the US Army Reserve assessing whether it could supply support units to Southern Command within 90 to 120 days. Cuba's foreign minister insists no justification exists for a military attack.
The US Army Reserve is reviewing whether it could supply US Southern Command with Military Police forces, medical personnel and other support units within a 90-to-120-day window, according to an internal document obtained by CBS News. Several US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to the outlet that the request is tied to military planning concerning Cuba, even though the document itself does not name the island directly.
No unit has so far been ordered to deploy, and the document does not specify a destination or the nature of any operation the forces might undertake.
Units under review
According to CBS News, the document seeks information on the availability of six categories of units that could be placed under Southern Command's authority, which oversees US military operations across Central America, South America and the Caribbean. These include logistics, transport, maintenance, fuel and supply specialists, plus an engineer battalion. The request also covers a medical brigade, teams capable of providing emergency surgery and treatment for wounded troops near deployed forces, and a Military Police brigade typically tasked with security, detention and policing duties.
A Southern Command spokesperson contacted by CBS News declined to discuss potential troop movements or deployment timelines, citing operational security, but said the command continuously assesses military requirements within its area of responsibility.
Rising tensions
The report follows months of escalating tension and rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who told the UN General Assembly this week that Cuba is "a failed state" that "will fall." In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told NBC News on Friday that the United States would never find justification for a military attack on Cuba, dismissing comparisons to Venezuela's situation. He said the US government would never find grounds to attack a small neighbouring country that poses no threat whatsoever to its national security.
