Cuba-US Tensions Rise After CIA Chief John Ratcliffe Visits Havana Amid Fear of Military Conflict

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Havana
• May 17, 2026
• 241

 

Fears of a possible US military intervention in Cuba have intensified after CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana, prompting the Cuban government to increase nationwide military preparedness and emergency defence measures.

According to reports by CNN, government offices and strategic institutions in Havana have been instructed to prepare for a potential military confrontation involving the United States and Cuba.

Cuba Launches Guerrilla Warfare Training Programme

The Cuban government has reportedly expanded guerrilla warfare and civil defence training programmes across the country as part of a national security strategy inspired by former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Cuban state media showed civilians, healthcare workers and military personnel taking part in military preparedness exercises designed to strengthen resistance against any possible foreign invasion.

Several videos shared by Cuban media displayed soldiers training with Soviet-era weapons and anti-aircraft artillery systems, highlighting the country’s limited military resources amid ongoing economic challenges.

Cuba Faces Economic Crisis Amid US Sanctions and Oil Restrictions

Cuba is currently facing a severe economic crisis due to prolonged US sanctions, oil supply restrictions and fuel shortages that have triggered nationwide power outages and rising inflation.

Reports suggest the United States has tightened restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba while also discouraging other countries from supplying fuel to the island nation.

The economic crisis in Cuba has worsened after the US Coast Guard reportedly intercepted an oil tanker travelling from Colombia to Cuba, increasing concerns over fuel scarcity and energy shortages.

Fuel Shortages, Blackouts and Medicine Crisis Hit Cuba

The impact of the fuel crisis is becoming increasingly visible across Cuba, where daily power cuts, medicine shortages and food insecurity are affecting millions of residents.

Petrol prices on Cuba’s black market have reportedly surged to nearly 35 US dollars per gallon due to the lack of fuel imports and ongoing supply disruptions.

Hospitals in Cuba are also facing difficulties, with reports indicating that surgeries are being postponed because of electricity shortages and limited medical resources.

John Ratcliffe’s Cuba Visit Draws Attention

CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Havana aboard an aircraft carrying the words “United States of America,” a move that attracted widespread public attention and political discussion within Cuba.

The Cuban government has historically viewed the CIA as an adversary because of multiple covert operations targeting Fidel Castro during the Cold War era.

Historical records show that US intelligence agencies allegedly developed several assassination plots against Fidel Castro, including plans involving poisoned cigars, toxic scuba equipment and explosive devices.

Donald Trump’s Statements on Cuba Resurface

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly commented on Cuba’s economic potential and business opportunities over the years.

Reports indicate that Trump-linked business groups explored tourism and golf course investment projects in Cuba during the late 1990s and early 2010s.

During the 2016 US presidential election campaign, Trump described Cuba as a potential investment destination despite its political tensions with Washington.

Trump recently criticised Cuba’s economy by calling the country financially weak and dependent on foreign support while also praising the island’s geography and tourism appeal.

History of US-Cuba Relations and Fidel Castro Revolution

Cuba gained independence from Spain following the Spanish–American War in 1898, although the United States maintained significant political and economic influence over the island for decades.

In 1959, Fidel Castro and his revolutionary movement overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista and established a communist government in Cuba.

After taking power, Fidel Castro nationalised industries and confiscated American-owned assets, leading the United States to impose strict economic sanctions on Cuba.

During the Cold War period, Cuba developed close relations with the Soviet Union, further worsening tensions between Havana and Washington.

Fidel Castro Assassination Attempts and Legacy

According to multiple historical reports, US intelligence agencies attempted to assassinate Fidel Castro more than 600 times over several decades using various covert methods.

One reported assassination attempt allegedly involved poisoned cold cream delivered through a close associate of Castro, though the operation failed.

Fidel Castro died in Havana on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90 after remaining one of the most influential political leaders in modern Latin American history.