Carlos Fernández de Cossío: Cuba 'preparing' for 'possibility of military aggression'

Cuba experienced its second nationwide blackout in less than a week on Saturday, and the third in March, after a generating unit failed at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant. The Cuban Electric Union attributed the cascading failure to this unexpected event. The blackouts, impacting the island's 9.6 million residents, have left streets dark and disrupted daily life, with some areas experiencing outages of up to 15 hours. Authorities are working to restore power, prioritizing vital centers like hospitals. The Cuban government cites a US-imposed energy blockade as a contributing factor to the strained power network.

A nationwide blackout has plunged Cuba into darkness, affecting over 10 million residents and businesses. The power outage, reported by the BBC's Will Grant from Havana, is due to the collapse of the country's national electrical grid. Cuba has experienced multiple blackouts this month, which are attributed to chronic fuel shortages and an aging electricity infrastructure. The fuel shortages are reportedly exacerbated by a US fuel blockade that restricts foreign oil imports needed to operate power stations. The Communist-run island nation is struggling to maintain a stable power supply amid these challenges.

Cuba experienced a nationwide power grid collapse on Saturday, March 21, 2026, leaving the entire island without electricity for the third time in March. The state-owned Cuban Electric Union reported the total blackout but did not specify the cause. Restoration efforts are underway. The blackouts are attributed to the country's decaying infrastructure and a U.S.-imposed oil blockade, creating challenges for the communist government. Residents of Havana were photographed spending the night in darkness along the Malecon seawall.

Cuba is recovering from its latest nationwide blackout, the second in a week and third in March, which affected millions, including hospitals in Havana. The blackouts are attributed to failures in the country's aging power grid, exacerbated by a shutdown at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant. This comes amidst a US oil blockade, initiated after the US cut off oil supplies to Cuba after abducting Venezuela’s President Maduro, which Cuba says is pushing its economy to the brink. In response to recent threats from US President Trump to take over the island, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister stated the nation is prepared for any potential US military aggression, though they don't believe it is probable. The US has warned potential oil exporters to Cuba that they could face high tariffs.

Amidst an oil blockade imposed by the US, Cuba is preparing for a potential military engagement with the United States, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio. His statement follows escalating rhetoric from former US President Donald Trump, who suggested he would have the "honour" of taking over Cuba. De Cossio stated that while Cuba does not believe military action is probable, they are preparing as a precaution. He also refuted reports that the US is seeking to negotiate the structure or members of the Cuban government, emphasizing that regime change is not on the table in discussions with the US. Despite the heightened tensions, the top US general overseeing forces in Latin America stated that the US military is not actively preparing to invade Cuba.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba is preparing for potential military aggression from the U.S., despite recent signals from the Trump administration suggesting otherwise. Fernández de Cossío emphasized that Cuba hopes military action will not occur but feels it is necessary to prepare given global circumstances. His remarks follow President Trump's comments about "taking Cuba" and Secretary of State Rubio's focus on diplomacy. Cuba opposes regime change and asserts its right to sovereignty and self-determination. Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba does not know what the U.S. is talking about when it says it will "take Cuba in some form."

Cuba is experiencing a deepening energy and economic crisis, marked by its third nationwide blackout in four months as of March 17, 2026. Millions remain without electricity even as energy is gradually being restored. The blackouts highlight the country's struggles and coincide with rising political tensions with the U.S., specifically with President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for leadership change in Cuba in response to the situation. President Trump has stated that the U.S. will be taking action regarding Cuba soon.

Cuba's national electrical grid has collapsed, leaving approximately 10 million people without power. The state grid operator, UNE, is investigating the cause of the blackout, which follows a series of widespread outages and recent protests. The collapse occurs amidst a US-imposed oil blockade, implemented after the US captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in January, that has significantly limited Cuba's oil imports. Venezuela, formerly Cuba's main oil supplier, has not sent fuel this year, and other imports have been minimal. Cuba has stated it is in talks with the US to resolve the crisis, while the US president has claimed Cuba is nearing collapse.

The US government, led by President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, is increasing pressure on Cuba, suggesting potential imminent action. Rubio stated Cuba needs "new people in charge" due to its struggling economy and political system. The US continues a de facto fuel embargo, threatening sanctions against countries supplying Cuba, exacerbating the island's economic crisis. While Cuba recently announced measures to allow exiles to invest in Cuban businesses, Rubio deemed it insufficient. Trump has hinted at taking action against Cuba soon, while reports suggest the US administration is calling for President Diaz-Canel's resignation.

Amidst a widespread power outage in Cuba, reportedly linked to a US oil embargo, President Donald Trump stated his intention to "take" the island nation. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump suggested he could "free" or "take" Cuba, claiming the country is currently weakened. This statement marks one of Trump's most direct threats against Cuba, a nation that has faced US opposition for decades. The island of 9.6 million people is currently struggling with a major power cut, exacerbating existing pressures on the communist government. The Trump administration has been actively working to exert pressure on Havana.

Amid widespread blackouts and unrest in Cuba, Senator Marco Rubio stated that U.S. sanctions are linked to political change on the island, citing the Cuban economy's dependence on subsidies and the current leadership's inability to address the crisis. The island nation is facing a severe energy crisis, leaving millions without power and sparking protests. President Trump indicated his administration is actively engaged and suggested potential intervention. A State Department official attributed the crisis to the Cuban regime's incompetence and decades of communist rule, rejecting claims that U.S. sanctions are responsible. A Cuban human rights activist echoed this sentiment, arguing that the crisis reflects a systemic collapse within the regime itself.

In March 2026, the Trump administration announced its goal to remove Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from power by the end of the year. The announcement continues a long history of US efforts to oust Cuban leaders, spanning 65 years. The Al Jazeera report by Marthe van der Wolf seeks to explain who Diaz-Canel is and the historical context behind Washington's ongoing attempts to overthrow Cuban leadership. The report aims to provide clarity on the motivations and background surrounding the US policy towards Cuba.

In March 2026, U.S. President Trump stated the U.S. would soon take action regarding Cuba. This announcement was made while the U.S. was engaged in military conflict with Iran. The U.S. President and Secretary of State are focused on Cuba, specifically demanding a change in leadership in Havana. The specific nature and timing of the planned U.S. action towards Cuba were not detailed in the report. The reasons behind the demand for leadership change were also not disclosed.

Cuba announced it will release 51 prisoners in the coming days as a gesture of goodwill after discussions with the Vatican. The prisoners have served a significant portion of their sentences and maintained good conduct. This announcement coincides with ongoing talks between US and Cuban officials aimed at resolving differences, amidst strained relations and US sanctions. Cuba is currently experiencing fuel shortages, partly due to US pressure and disrupted oil shipments from Venezuela, leading to electricity grid instability. The US has threatened further action against Cuba, while Cuba is increasing domestic energy production.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuban officials have engaged in talks with the U.S. government to address the U.S. blockade against Cuba. The discussions aim to find solutions to bilateral differences through dialogue, conducted with respect for both nations' sovereignty. These talks occurred amid a severe economic crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and an oil blockade imposed by the Trump administration. The announcement follows a previous warning from Díaz-Canel about potential "extreme measures" due to the economic situation. U.S. officials also held talks with Raúl Castro's grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, during a Caricom meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis last month.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced that Cuba and the United States have engaged in discussions aimed at resolving bilateral differences amid escalating threats from the Trump administration. These talks seek solutions through dialogue as Cuba faces a severe blockade, particularly impacting oil shipments. According to Diaz-Canel, no petroleum has arrived in Cuba in three months due to the US energy blockade, exacerbated by the disruption of Venezuelan shipments following US actions in South America. The situation has led to widespread power outages and significant disruptions in Cuba, affecting communications, education, transportation, and healthcare. The goal of the talks is to determine the willingness of both countries to take actions benefiting their respective populations.

The Cuban government announced it will release 51 prisoners in the coming days as a gesture of goodwill and due to its close relationship with the Vatican. The government stated those being released have served a significant portion of their sentences and maintained good conduct. This announcement precedes a rare press conference by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to address national and international issues. Cuba has released thousands of prisoners in recent years, including over 500 in early 2025 following talks with the Vatican, one of whom was prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer. It is currently unknown if any of those being released are considered political prisoners, of which Prisoners Defenders estimates there are over 1,200 in Cuba.

Five people were arrested in Moron, Cuba, after a protest at a local Communist party office escalated into vandalism. Protesters ransacked the office, setting fire to computers and furniture in the street, and also damaged a pharmacy and another shop. The incident follows growing discontent in Cuba due to shortages of food, medicine, and frequent power outages, with nightly protests spreading across the country. These issues are exacerbated by a US oil blockade, which Cuba's president blames for the lack of petroleum shipments in the past three months. The US president has openly expressed his desire for regime change in Cuba and has placed the island under an oil blockade, citing it as an "extraordinary threat" to the US.

Protesters in Moron, Cuba, attacked a Communist party office early Saturday morning, according to state media reports. The demonstration, initially a peaceful rally against power outages and food shortages, escalated into violence. Videos circulating on social media showed people throwing rocks and setting fires at the building while chanting for "liberty," though Reuters could not independently verify the footage. The unrest is attributed to worsening blackouts, exacerbated by the US oil blockade against Cuba. The US has tightened sanctions on Cuba, particularly after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba's main benefactor, cutting off Venezuelan oil shipments and threatening tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, further straining the Cuban economy.

Rare anti-government protests have erupted in Cuba, fueled by food and energy shortages exacerbated by US restrictions. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, a local communist party office in Moron was set on fire, leading to the arrest of five people for vandalism. The protests, initially peaceful, escalated into property damage, with demonstrators reportedly shouting for "liberty." While some reports suggest gunfire and injuries, state media denies these claims. The unrest reflects growing public frustration with shortages, leading to demonstrations like banging pots and pans and student sit-ins. Protests are rare in Cuba due to the threat of government repression.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed that Cuba and the United States have recently engaged in talks to address bilateral differences. This marks the first confirmation of such discussions. Diaz-Canel attributed Cuba's current energy crisis to a US energy blockade, stating that no petroleum shipments have arrived in the past three months. A recent blackout in western Cuba left millions without power, exacerbating the situation. The lack of power has impacted communications, education, transport, and healthcare, leading to the postponement of numerous surgeries. While Cuba produces 40% of its petroleum, it has been insufficient to meet the country's energy demands.

A major blackout struck western Cuba on Wednesday, leaving millions without power from Pinar del Rio to Camaguey, including the capital city of Havana. The Electric Union confirmed the outage and stated crews were working to restore power. State media attributed the blackout to a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant due to a boiler leak. This is the second major outage in the region in three months, exacerbating existing challenges for residents who are already struggling with limited transportation and basic needs. Cuba faces dwindling oil reserves due to US actions against Venezuela and threats of tariffs on oil-supplying countries, further straining the island's energy infrastructure.

A widespread power outage struck western Cuba on Wednesday, impacting millions from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including Havana. The blackout, caused by a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, is the latest in a series of energy crises exacerbated by U.S. sanctions imposed during the Trump administration. Cuba's aging infrastructure and fuel shortages, worsened by the halt of Venezuelan oil exports in January, contribute to the instability. While some businesses and residents utilize solar panels and generators, the government anticipates at least three days to fully restore power. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba warns of prolonged outages affecting essential services and advises residents to conserve resources. Despite the energy crisis, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated his administration will not negotiate with Washington for a new agreement.

Cuban authorities announced the successful repair of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which had shut down earlier in the week, causing widespread blackouts. The plant, located in Cuba, is expected to resume operations by Saturday afternoon. A broken boiler caused the shutdown, leaving millions without power in the country's western areas. The repair pace was slowed by difficult working conditions and safety concerns. The incident occurred amidst increasing US pressure, including an oil blockade, which has strained Cuba's aging energy infrastructure. The US has taken measures to isolate Cuba and cut off its oil supply, further impacting the island's energy system.

US President Donald Trump stated that Cuba is likely to "fall pretty soon" during an interview with CNN. He made this comment a day after mentioning a potential project for Cuba after the war against Iran. Trump's comments were seen as a renewed threat to the communist-ruled island, which has been facing a US energy blockade. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will reportedly be Trump's point man on Cuba, given his son's background as a Cuban immigrant and desire for regime change in Havana. The US and Israel recently launched attacks on Iran that killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading some to speculate that Cuba could be next on Trump's list of foreign interventions.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump stated that regime change in Cuba is a matter of time, potentially following US action against Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio's work on Cuba, where the administration has been tightening economic sanctions. Trump's administration has been increasing economic pressure on Cuba with the goal of overthrowing its communist government. He has previously threatened to cut off Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba. Trump has expressed willingness to use military force to advance his global priorities, including in Latin America, despite international law constraints.

Donald Trump's administration may be shifting its focus to Cuba following recent actions regarding Iran. The US President has suggested a potential change in the Cuban regime, stating the island is "ready to fall." These comments, made during a White House event with Inter Miami CF, indicate a possible shift in US policy towards Cuba. The BBC is exploring Trump's recent statements to determine if his administration is planning to target Cuba next. The reasons behind this potential shift and the specific actions the US might take remain unclear.

The Cuban government announced a fifth death resulting from a February 26th shootout with a Florida-flagged speedboat near Cayo Falcones. Cuban authorities claim the boat, carrying 10 people, opened fire on Cuban soldiers. Cuba alleges the passengers were armed Cuban-Americans intending to infiltrate the island and commit acts of terrorism. Authorities have filed terrorism charges against six suspects and presented evidence including weapons and ammunition allegedly found on the boat. The Cuban Interior Ministry stated that investigations are ongoing and suggest the involvement of other individuals based in the United States. The remaining injured detainees are reportedly receiving specialized medical care.

Cuban prosecutors have charged six Cuban exiles with terrorism following a deadly speedboat attack. The defendants, based in the United States, are accused of traveling to Cuba with the intent to destabilize the Communist government. The incident involved a US-flagged speedboat and a shootout with the Cuban coast guard. The Cuban government alleges the individuals were armed and planned to attack military units on the island. The charges stem from an event that occurred last week.

Cuban border guards shot and killed four people aboard a US-registered speedboat in Cuban waters on Wednesday. According to Cuba's government, the incident occurred near Cayo Falcones after the speedboat's occupants allegedly opened fire on a Cuban coast guard vessel that approached them for identification, wounding the commander. Six other passengers on the speedboat were wounded and received medical assistance. The nationalities and purpose of those on board the Florida-registered vessel are currently unknown, and Cuba has launched an investigation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US is gathering facts and will make determinations based on its findings. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba.

Cuban authorities reported that a speedboat carrying 10 men from the United States attempted to destabilize the Cuban government. The incident occurred this week when the boat was intercepted by Cuban border agents, resulting in a shootout that killed four of the men. The six surviving crew members are receiving medical treatment, as is at least one Cuban officer. According to CBS News, at least one of the deceased was a U.S. citizen. Cuban officials defended their response, stating the speedboat passengers initiated the gunfire. An associate of one of the deceased men claimed he sought to overthrow the Cuban government, amidst heightened tensions between Cuba and the U.S.

According to the Cuban government, a speedboat carrying ten people approached Cuba's north shore on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, and opened fire on Cuban soldiers. Cuban troops returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The six surviving occupants of the speedboat were detained following the encounter. The incident has drawn attention to Cubans living in the U.S. who still hope for a counter-revolution. The event occurred 67 years after a guerrilla.

Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba. Trump stated that the Cuban government is in trouble and engaging in discussions with the US. These comments follow reports of US officials meeting with Raúl Castro's grandson and increased pressure on Cuba after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US has been tightening its grip on Cuba by imposing an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already parlous economy. Trump alluded to the Cuban exile community in the US, suggesting a takeover of the island could be “something good ... very positive” for them. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has previously stated that any discussions must respect Cuba's sovereignty and independence.

In February 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is in discussions with the Cuban government regarding a potential "friendly takeover" of Cuba. This statement comes as Cuba faces a significant energy crisis. The energy shortage is reportedly a consequence of a US-imposed fuel blockade. The discussions and potential takeover are occurring in the context of this existing pressure on Cuba's energy resources. The US government has not released further details about the nature of these talks or the specific conditions under which a takeover might occur.

In February 2026, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is in talks with Cuba, suggesting a possible "friendly takeover" of the island nation. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaged in high-level discussions with Cuban leaders. Trump characterized Cuba as a "failed nation" seeking U.S. assistance, citing their current economic struggles. These remarks followed a recent incident where a boat carrying armed Cubans from the U.S. allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers off the island's coast, resulting in casualties on both sides. The White House did not provide further clarification on the President's comments.

The Trump administration, after previously blocking foreign oil shipments to Cuba, has authorized the private sale of limited quantities of oil to the island nation. This policy shift allows oil to be sold to Cuba, but stipulates that the Cuban government cannot be the recipient. The change in policy comes after a period of restricted oil access for Cuba. The purpose of this new measure is to allow oil to reach the Cuban people while bypassing the Cuban government. The timing and specific reasons behind this policy change were not specified in the article.

President Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba" while speaking to reporters on Friday. He stated that Cuba is "in big trouble" and the US could do something positive for Cuban exiles living in America who wish to return. These comments represent some of Trump's most detailed statements regarding his plans for Cuba, which has been under pressure from the US. The administration recently announced plans to allow American energy companies to ship fuel to private Cuban businesses. The White House appears to be leveraging Cuba's energy crisis to increase US influence on the island nation.

In February 2026, the US government announced it would authorize the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for commercial and humanitarian purposes, potentially easing Cuba's severe fuel crisis. This decision comes after months of a US-imposed oil blockade following the abduction and imprisonment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. While the US has historically strained relations with Cuba and seeks regime change, the policy shift follows concerns raised by Caribbean leaders, particularly Jamaica's Prime Minister, about the potential regional impact of Cuba's economic hardship and energy shortages. The US will license entities to sell the oil, excluding those linked to the Cuban government and military. Venezuela is Cuba's largest oil provider.