What happened
The US Army Reserve is examining the potential deployment of various support units to the Southern Command region, which includes the Caribbean, within the next four months. According to an internal Army message, the units could be needed in 90-120 days. The message does not specify the location or operation the forces would support, but it is believed to be related to Cuba.
The US military is seeking feedback on the availability of six types of formations, including a combat sustainment support battalion, an engineer battalion, and a medical brigade. The units would provide logistics, engineering, and medical support, as well as security and law enforcement services.
The planning comes as the Trump administration increases economic pressure on Cuba and urges the island nation to make political reforms. The US has also conducted reconnaissance operations around Cuba and placed airpower components on heightened readiness. However, there is no indication that any units have received deployment orders.
President Trump has stated that he does not believe the US will need to use military force against Cuba and that he wants to help the island nation. However, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed to counter any US attack and has accused the US of aggression and economic warfare.
