The US military under Donald Trump is preparing for the possibility of an operation against Cuba, with battlefield surgeons, military police and combat engineers among the forces being identified for potential deployment within the next four months.
Last week, US Army Reserve headquarters sent an internal request to commanders asking whether they could make six types of units available to Southern Command, the US military command responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Although the memo does not name Cuba, several US officials said the planning is specifically focused on the communist-ruled island, according to CBS News, which obtained the document.
The units could be “possibly [be] needed in 90-120 days,” the memo says, suggesting a potential deployment window around Christmas. Commands were asked to submit their responses by Friday.
One of the requested units is a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment. The small medical team provides emergency surgery and trauma treatment to wounded troops near the battlefield.
There is no sign that deployment orders have been issued. The message also does not specify how many personnel might be involved, where they would be sent or which mission they would support.
Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump declared that Cuba’s communist government “will fall” and that “freedom will be coming.” His remarks followed the reported seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US special forces in Caracas in January.
Cuba’s delegation left the chamber as the president delivered what was seen as a veiled threat. Trump also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was “deep into negotiations” with Havana.
Donald Trump chairs a meeting in the White House Situation Room in Washington on June 21, 2025.
Cuban soldiers take part in the Torchlight March in Havana on January 27, marking the 173rd anniversary of national hero Jose Marti, a leader of Cuba’s independence from Spain and founder of the Cuban Revolutionary Party.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel waves a national flag during celebrations in Havana on April 16, marking the 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the declaration of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Guantanamo Bay in February.
The request also includes a medical brigade to oversee units in the field, along with a military police brigade responsible for missions such as security, detention and law enforcement.
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The list further names an engineer battalion, a logistics battalion responsible for transport, fuel, maintenance and supplies, and an expeditionary sustainment command tasked with coordinating logistics across an entire theater of operations.
A Southern Command spokesperson said: “Due to operational security concerns, we do not disclose details or comment on US operational movements or potential deployment timelines associated with current or future operations, contingencies, or planning.
“However, US Southern Command continuously coordinates with the Joint Force to assess a range of potential requirements across its [area of responsibility] in support of assigned missions.”
The reported planning comes as Trump advances what officials have called the “Donroe Doctrine” — an assertive strategy aimed at pushing US rivals out of Washington’s traditional sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere.
The administration imposed new sanctions on Cuban officials and entities days before Trump’s UN address, including military-linked companies connected to the country’s nickel industry.
In March, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he believed he would have “the honor of taking Cuba.”
US special forces reportedly seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas in January.
The Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, part of the Russian naval detachment visiting Cuba, arrives at Havana’s harbor, June 12, 2024
‘Taking Cuba in some form, yeah,’ he said. ‘I think I could do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth.’ Later that month, he declared: ‘Cuba’s going to be next.’
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has vowed to fight back against any US attack and accused Washington of ‘aggression’ and ‘economic warfare’ for choking off the island’s oil imports.
Military planners have also examined an air assault on the island by thousands of troops from the 101st Airborne Division, the only unit trained for the task, CBS News reported in July. Officials emphasized no decision had been made.
Another US military operation may seem far-fetched with conflicts raging in Iran and Ukraine, but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has admitted his government is also prepared for a US invasion.
‘I think you have a responsibility in these roles to look at extreme tail risk,’ Carney, 61, told the New York Times on Wednesday. ‘That’s just risk management. That’s not a base case, but it would be irresponsible not to.’
