Kathrine Frich
Officials stressed that drawing up plans does not mean the Pentagon has made a final decision to attack.
Military planners usually map out logistics and move resources entirely on paper.
Sometimes, an internal memo slips out and reveals exactly where commanders are currently looking.
Checking the rosters
An internal message has asked the United States Army Reserve to check its available resources. The document asks commands to figure out which units could support Southern Command soon, according to CBS News cited by O2.
The message does not name a specific country as the target of these preparations. Still, several government officials confirmed to CBS News that the request relates directly to Cuba.
Headquarters wants to know if they can provide medical teams, logistics personnel, and military police within a 120-day window.
Medical and fuel needs
The military is specifically checking on combat support capabilities, equipment maintenance, and fuel transport. A surgical team would likely join the group, along with military police units.
This request is purely a resource check rather than a final deployment order. No soldiers have actually been told to pack their bags.
A spokesperson for Southern Command declined to share details with CBS News, citing operational security. The representative stated that the command regularly analyzes regional requirements.
Airborne assault plans
These logistical checks follow months of high-level strategic reviews. American planners looked at various operation options back in July, including a massive airborne assault, CBS News reported.
Officials stressed that drawing up plans does not mean the Pentagon has made a final decision to attack.
The Trump administration has heavily criticized Cuba for building closer relationships with Russia, China, and Iran.
Pushing for a deal
President Donald Trump recently suggested that armed conflict might be avoided. He told reporters at the White House that an agreement with the island nation remains possible.
During a speech in New York, Trump announced he was seeking “fundamental change” in the country. The Cuban delegation left the room while he was speaking.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently holding talks with authorities in Havana to block foreign rivals from gaining influence.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly rejected these moves. He accused Washington of economic warfare and warned that his country would resist any military aggression, according to CBS News.
