Spanish analyst Yago Rodríguez, a specialist in defense and international affairs, has stated that Cuba might be the next potential target for U.S. military action within the Western Hemisphere.
His remarks were made during an appearance on the YouTube channel The Wild Project, episode #356, titled “Military Matters: Could Maduro Be Taken Out? The Delta Force Explained.”
Rodríguez, recognized as a leading figure in Hispanic military analysis, discussed that "if one aims to dominate the Western Hemisphere... Cuba" is the next logical step following the recent U.S. operation that ousted Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
In his view, the Havana regime has endured for decades due to a unique strategic expertise: "What remains for the Cuban state is the know-how, through intelligence, on how to control a country. This is what they taught the Venezuelan regime—how to control the military and prevent a coup from happening."
The expert argued that this control is currently the primary and nearly sole strength of the Cuban system. "Thanks to this knowledge, the regime holds power, but they no longer have a prestigious leader at the helm. The ones left are the old revolutionaries from the 1950s, so you can imagine. They are weak," he added.
Discussing Miguel Díaz-Canel's leadership, Rodríguez was blunt: "He lacks international presence; he's trying, but he doesn't have significance."
The Spanish expert recalled the past significance of the Cuban military in African conflicts but emphasized that "that military prowess has vanished."
According to the analyst, the current environment places Cuba prominently on Washington's strategic radar, particularly under Donald Trump's administration with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
"Rubio's presence is another crucial factor that could elevate Cuba to the top of the U.S. interest list," he noted.
Rodríguez concluded by pondering the island's economic future, stating, "In Cuba, there is a pie to be divided. It is an underdeveloped country that has been without investment for a long time. (...) It doesn't have to remain the revered sacred cow."
Understanding Cuba's Strategic Importance
Why does Yago Rodríguez believe Cuba is next on the U.S. military list?
Rodríguez suggests that Cuba is strategically the next step for the U.S. to assert dominance in the Western Hemisphere, considering the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela.
What is the main strength of the Cuban regime according to Rodríguez?
The main strength of the Cuban regime, as per Rodríguez, is its unique strategic knowledge in controlling the country, a skill that has been shared with Venezuela.
How does Rodríguez view Cuba's economic future?
Rodríguez sees Cuba as a country ripe for investment and development, implying that it should not remain untouched and underdeveloped as it has been.