US military is not preparing for Cuba takeover, top general tells lawmakers

The Guardian US News
by Reuters in Washington
March 19, 2026
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3 min read

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Top U.S. military commander told Congress the Pentagon is not preparing for an invasion of Cuba.

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Gen. Francis Donovan, head of US Southern Command, told lawmakers the military is not preparing for or rehearsing an invasion of Cuba, despite Trump's recent comments about potentially taking the island and increased US military activity in the region. Donovan said the Pentagon is ready to respond to threats against the US embassy in Havana, defend Guantanamo Bay, and assist with mass migration from Cuba if necessary. The testimony appears aimed at reassuring Congress that military contingency planning has not shifted toward offensive operations against the island nation. Donovan's clarification comes amid Trump's rhetoric about Cuba and broader administration moves to expand US military posture in Latin America.

What's Being Done

Gen. Francis Donovan testified to lawmakers that the military is not rehearsing Cuba invasion operations, though it is prepared for embassy defense and humanitarian response.

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