Beijing, August 6 – According to a report by The New York Times on the 5th, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has secretly established a Cuba task force, preparing to invest more funds, personnel, and technical resources to strengthen intelligence and infiltration activities against Cuba. At this stage, its primary mission is to create divisions within Cuba and seek the replacement of the Cuban leadership, which takes a tough stance toward the U.S.
On July 8, a man walks past a sign opposing the U.S. blockade in Havana, the capital of Cuba. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez for Xinhua)
According to the report, citing sources familiar with the matter, the task force is increasing the number of officers and intelligence analysts responsible for recruiting and managing spies, as well as personnel for cyber operations and covert infiltration missions.
As the U.S. government has recently stepped up pressure on Cuba, various U.S. intelligence agencies have directed more intelligence collection resources toward Cuba. The report suggests that this intelligence could be used to adjust potential U.S. military operation plans against Cuba.
The CIA has declined to comment on the report.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio issued a statement to The New York Times saying that the U.S. intentions are not surprising, as the CIA has long carried out espionage, subversion, and sabotage activities against Cuba, “including terrorist activities.” He criticized the U.S. for taking these actions while labeling Cuba’s self-defense measures as threats.
The U.S. has long imposed economic, financial, and trade embargoes on Cuba. After launching military operations against Venezuela and Iran this year, U.S. President Trump threatened that “Cuba is next.”
