Overview
- CBS reported on Sept. 25 that an internal Army Reserve message asked subordinate commands whether six support units could be made available to U.S. Southern Command within 90 to 120 days.
- The list cited by the report includes a combat logistics support battalion, an engineer battalion and a medical brigade to coordinate medical units, among other police and support elements.
- The message did not name Cuba, gave no troop numbers and did not order any deployments and U.S. officials described the request as routine planning rather than an active operation.
- U.S. Southern Command said it routinely coordinates assessments with joint forces, Cuba’s foreign minister said Havana is boosting defenses and President Trump said he expects a diplomatic deal and does not think military force will be needed.
- The planning follows wider Pentagon reviews of scenarios for Cuba this year and comes against the backdrop of stepped-up U.S. sanctions and an energy blockade that have worsened conditions on the island and sharpened regional diplomatic tensions.