HAVANA: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Monday that any US military action against Cuba would lead to a “bloodbath” with incalculable consequences for regional peace and stability.

“Cuba does not represent a threat,” Diaz-Canel said in a post on X.

The comments follow an Axios report published on Sunday, citing classified intelligence, that said Cuba had acquired more than 300 military drones and had discussed plans to use them to attack the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, US military vessels and Key West, Florida. Cuba said the US was fabricating a case to justify potential military intervention.

Havana has acquired over 300 military drones to ‘attack’ Guantanamo Bay, report alleges

On the streets of Havana, some residents said they would resist any attack despite the island’s deep economic hardship.

“I know Cuba is a strong country. Cubans are very brave and they are not going to find us unprepared,” said Sandra Roseaux, 57. “If they come, they will have to fight, because Cuba will respond. My country, hungry or however it may be, will respond. It is better that they do not come because there will be a fight.”

Cuba, a communist foe of Washington for generations, has come under increasing strain since the United States cut off its energy supplies after arresting the president of its then-ally Venezuela in January. In recent weeks fuel has run out and electricity is often available for only an hour or two a day.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026