Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío made a bold accusation against Washington this Friday, labeling the United States government as the "main source of terrorism" in the Western Hemisphere.
In a post on his personal X account, Fernández de Cossío stated, "It's safe to say the primary source of terrorism, at least in the Western Hemisphere, is the U.S. government, engaging in state terrorism. Their nerve centers are located in Virginia, notably in Langley and the Pentagon, alongside the Potomac."
This statement marks one of the most direct accusations made by a high-ranking official from the Cuban regime during the current period of heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States. It follows a day after Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla accused Washington of conducting a "psychological war" against Havana through alleged media leaks.
On Wednesday, CBS News reported that Pentagon planners had considered military options against the island at the end of June, including an airborne assault by the 101st Airborne Division. Rodríguez warned that such an attack would result in a "bloodbath" and denied that Cuba poses any threat to the U.S.
On the same day, President Donald Trump added to the speculation regarding potential military action against the island, stating on Fox News, "A lot of things are going to happen in Cuba in the next, perhaps, two months."
Washington continues to list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, a designation reinstated by Trump on January 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Havana accuses the United States of being the true aggressor.
On July 11, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Cuban leadership still has the chance to implement "real reforms" before it becomes "too late."
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Relations
What did Carlos Fernández de Cossío accuse the U.S. government of?
Carlos Fernández de Cossío accused the U.S. government of being the main source of state terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.
What recent military options were considered against Cuba?
Pentagon planners evaluated military options, including an airborne assault by the 101st Airborne Division, against Cuba at the end of June.
How does the Cuban government view its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism?
The Cuban government considers the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism to be an act of aggression, while accusing the U.S. of being the real aggressor.