US military not preparing for Cuba invasion, Southern Command chief tells lawmakers
General Francis Donovan told senators that US forces are not rehearsing for a Cuba invasion but remain ready to protect American interests on the island.

The head of US Southern Command told lawmakers that the American military is not preparing for an invasion of Cuba, according to congressional briefings held this week.
General Francis Donovan, who oversees US military operations in Latin America, informed senators that forces under his command are not rehearsing for or actively preparing to take over the Caribbean island nation militarily.
However, Donovan indicated that the Pentagon maintains readiness protocols for several Cuba-related scenarios. These include protecting the US embassy in Havana, defending the American military base at Guantánamo Bay, and supporting government efforts to manage potential mass migration from Cuba if such situations arise.
The briefing comes amid increased focus on US policy toward Cuba and the broader Latin American region. Donovan's comments appear aimed at clarifying the military's current posture regarding the island nation located approximately 90 miles from the Florida coast.
US Southern Command is responsible for military operations and security cooperation across Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean region. The command has historically maintained contingency planning for various scenarios involving Cuba, including the protection of American personnel and facilities on the island.