Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has addressed recent reports from American media about increased CIA activities in Cuba, asserting that these revelations are part of a deliberate "psychological warfare" strategy by Washington rather than random leaks.
Díaz-Canel discussed the matter during what was termed a keynote address at the opening of the First International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future," held on Monday at Havana's Convention Palace. The event attracted over 1,500 delegates from 63 countries and took place just before the 100th anniversary of the Cuban dictator's birth, which is commemorated on August 13.
"We are not at all surprised by the recent revelations in major U.S. media about an increase in CIA operations in Cuba aimed at subverting internal order. These are not random leaks, as presented, but part of the U.S. regime's deliberate psychological warfare plan against Cuba," Díaz-Canel stated, according to an official transcript released by the Presidency.
The leader's remarks follow a series of reports in the United States suggesting a supposed strengthening of American intelligence operations concerning the island.
U.S. Intelligence Activities Intensify
The New York Times disclosed that the CIA has secretly established a task force solely focused on Cuba. This team comprises case officers, analysts, cyberoperation specialists, and covert influence experts. The organization is reportedly equipped to redirect financial, human, and technical resources toward operations linked to Cuba.
According to the newspaper, one of its aims is to identify and exploit potential cracks within Cuba's political elite. Previously, Politico reported that Washington had increased its deployment of intelligence assets related to Cuba.
Political Transition Speculation
A follow-up report from The New York Times on August 7 indicated that the Trump administration is seeking to identify figures who could play a role in a potential political transition in Cuba, in a scenario likened by U.S. officials to the "Delcy Rodríguez model" applied in Venezuela.
These reports have fueled the Cuban government's narrative in recent days, suggesting that Washington is seeking to provoke political change on the island.
Díaz-Canel's response comes as Washington openly ramps up pressure on Havana, with American media outlets depicting a parallel strengthening of intelligence operations concerning Cuba. The Cuban government now presents this scenario as evidence that the United States aims to hasten changes within the island.
CIA Operations and Political Dynamics in Cuba
What is the focus of the CIA's new task force regarding Cuba?
The CIA's new task force is dedicated to operations in Cuba, aiming to redirect resources toward influencing and identifying weaknesses within the Cuban political elite.
How has the Cuban government reacted to reports about U.S. intelligence activities?
The Cuban government, led by Díaz-Canel, has dismissed the reports as part of a U.S. psychological warfare strategy against Cuba, rather than random leaks.
What are the implications of these intelligence reports for U.S.-Cuba relations?
The reports have intensified the narrative of the Cuban government that the U.S. is actively seeking to instigate political changes on the island, contributing to heightened tensions in U.S.-Cuba relations.