Hegseth Warns Cuba Military Action Possible, Says Colombia Joined A3C As 19Th Member

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Cuba that a military operation against Havana is among the options being considered, saying the Cuban government must heed President Donald Trump's demands. Speaking in Panama, where he attended a military exercise and answered press questions, Hegseth said all options, including military action, remain on the table regarding Cuba. He made the remarks during a visit for a meeting of the "American Anti-Cartel Coalition" (A3C).

Hegseth noted that Colombia had joined A3C as its 19th member and had offered to host the coalition's headquarters. He described the group's motto as We do bad things to bad people, and asserted that the U.S. is the preferred partner for regional countries, while claiming that China, Russia and Iran's activities in South America are based on exploitation. Referring to the period when former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was detained by U.S. forces, Hegseth alleged that Russian personnel failed to protect Maduro. He said Cuba's military cannot stand against U.S. military power.