Waltz: Russia and Other Countries Still Maintain Intelligence Bases in Cuba, Threatening U.S. National Security
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on the 12th that countries including Russia still maintain intelligence bases in Cuba, continuously gathering information around U.S. military installations, posing a threat to American national security. He emphasized that the Trump (Donald Trump) administration will continue countering the influence of Russia and other nations in the Western Hemisphere, no longer tolerating Cuba serving as a foreign adversary’s intelligence outpost near U.S. shores.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Waltz stated: “Countries such as Russia have established relevant facilities.” He noted that these nations use intelligence facilities located in Cuba to collect data near U.S. military bases.
“The Cuban regime is not only a threat to its own people, but also a threat to U.S. national security—and this administration will no longer tolerate such a situation,” he added.
Waltz explained that since the Trump administration took office, it has significantly reduced the operational space for Russia and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Although Cuba still hosts intelligence facilities operated by China and Russia, their influence in other regions has declined.
“Russia and other countries still maintain intelligence stations, signals intelligence collection sites, and military personnel in Cuba—right near our doorstep. However, they are no longer present in Venezuela as they were under the Biden (Joe Biden) administration or earlier, nor are they active in Central America and South America. Even their influence around the Panama Canal has diminished,” he said.
Waltz credited the achievements to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stating that the United States has reestablished its influence in the Western Hemisphere and will continue confronting competitors like Russia in the future.
He said the Trump administration has successfully contained the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence in regions including Venezuela, Central America, and around the Panama Canal, but Cuba remains one of America’s most critical security concerns.
Amid Waltz’s remarks, the Trump administration has recently intensified pressure on Cuba.
On Saturday, marking the fifth anniversary of Cuba’s July 11, 2021 anti-government protests, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement urging the Cuban government to implement political and economic reforms.
Rubio said: “Cuban leaders must choose to genuinely commit to reform, peace, and prosperity—before it is too late.”
He added: “This administration has offered aid, assistance in reconstruction, and a commitment to establish a new bilateral relationship, provided the Cuban regime agrees to political and economic reforms, giving this nation a chance to prosper.”
The Trump administration has recently expanded sanctions against Cuba, adding state-owned mining company GeoMinera and several enterprises linked to the military-controlled conglomerate GAESA to the sanctions list just two weeks ago. Rubio stated at the time that GAESA continues to serve as a crucial financial source for Cuba’s security apparatus.
Additionally, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush recently warned about Iran’s military activities in Cuba. Citing reports, he suggested that approximately 300 Iranian-made Shahed-136 suicide drones may be deployed within Cuba, located just about 90 miles (around 145 kilometers) from the Florida coast—highlighting how hostile forces continue expanding their military presence near U.S. shores.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870550750158860/
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