U.S. and Cuban military leaders meet at Guantanamo amid strained relations

U.S. and Cuban military leaders convened at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay on May 29, 2026, for a brief exchange on operational security. U.S. General Francis Donovan met with Cuban General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.

The meeting took place as relations between the United States and Cuba have worsened. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously voiced intentions to seize control of the island. U.S. Southern Command described the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station as a vital operational and logistical hub supporting U.S. military efforts to counter threats to security, stability, and democracy in the hemisphere.

“

to a brief exchange on operational security matters

This encounter follows recent reports suggesting Cuba considered using drones against the U.S. base and even U.S. territory. Trump has labeled the communist island, located 93 miles from Florida, an "extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security. Donovan's discussions also included an assessment of the installation's perimeter security and personnel safety.

Relations have been strained since January, with the U.S. imposing an oil blockade, imposing new sanctions on Cuban companies and officials, and indicting former President Raúl Castro. Despite these tensions, both governments maintain diplomatic contact. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana in mid-May for meetings with Cuban officials, and a high-level diplomatic meeting occurred in the Cuban capital on April 10. No U.S. government aircraft had landed in Cuba since 2016.

“

The Guantanamo Bay Naval Station is a vital operational and logistical hub that supports U.S. military efforts to counter threats that undermine security, stability, and democracy in our hemisphere.