Cuba Warns US Military Action Would Cause Bloodbath as Axios Reports Cuba Acquired 300 Military Drones

Axios reported on May 17, citing classified U.S. intelligence, that Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran since 2023, stashed in strategic locations across the island, and that Cuban officials have discussed strikes on Guantanamo Bay, U.S. naval vessels, and Key West 1. Senior U.S. officials told Axios the threat is not considered imminent but cited concern over Iranian military advisers in Havana, intelligence intercepts showing Cuban officials actively seeking to learn how Iran has resisted U.S. pressure, and an estimated 5,000 Cuban soldiers who fought for Russia in Ukraine returning with drone-warfare experience; Cuba has also sought additional drones and military equipment from Russia within the past month 1. CIA Director Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on May 14 and met specifically with Raúl Castro's grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro—head of Cuban intelligence services—to deliver warnings from President Trump, a meeting independently confirmed by NPR, NBC, AP, and CNN; the Axios drone exclusive additionally reported Ratcliffe warned Cuban officials against hostilities 1. Cuban President Díaz-Canel warned on May 18 via X that U.S. military action would cause "a bloodbath with incalculable consequences" and framed any military threat itself as "an international crime," while Foreign Minister Rodríguez dismissed the allegations as a fabricated pretext for intervention 234.