US document reveals six military units on standby for possible Cuba action

The US Army Reserve is considering providing six military units to US Southern Command within 90 to 120 days, in what American sources describe as part of ongoing contingency planning for possible scenarios involving Cuba, according to an internal document seen by CBS News.

While the document does not mention Cuba directly, it asks Army Reserve commands to assess their ability to supply units that could fall under Southern Command, which oversees Central and South America and the Caribbean. The memo sets a deadline of September 25 for responses, but does not specify the number of troops, deployment locations, or the nature of any potential operation.

The document emphasizes that this is a review of possible needs within 90 to 120 days, not an order for deployment. US officials told CBS News the planning is focused on Cuba. The document does not detail where forces might be sent or what missions they could undertake.

Six units requested

The list of units under review includes a combat sustainment support battalion responsible for transport, maintenance, fuel, and supplies, as well as an engineer battalion.

Requests also include an expeditionary sustainment command to oversee logistics in the operational theater, a medical brigade to lead and coordinate medical units, and a forward resuscitative and surgical team to provide emergency care and treat injuries near US forces.

The list further includes a military police brigade, whose troops typically handle security, detention, and other military law enforcement duties.

No deployment orders yet

The document contains no indication that any deployment orders have been issued, nor has the US government announced any decision to launch a military operation against Cuba.

A spokesperson for Southern Command said details of military movements or possible timelines are not disclosed for operational security reasons, adding that the command continues to coordinate with joint forces to assess a range of potential requirements within its area of responsibility.

This planning comes as President Donald Trump's administration intensifies economic and political pressure on the Cuban government, urging it to implement political changes.

Previous military moves around Cuba

This memo is not the first sign of US military planning related to Cuba. CBS News previously reported that US forces conducted reconnaissance of the seabed and maritime routes around the island, and elements of the Air Force were put on alert and instructed to prepare personnel for possible deployment, though those plans were not carried out.

In July, the network reported that US military planners studied a range of options against the island, including an airborne assault led by ground forces and involving thousands of troops from the 101st Airborne Division. US officials at the time stressed that these briefings did not indicate that President Trump or the Department of Defense had decided to proceed with an operation.

Officials described this as part of the Dunro Doctrine, an extension of a strategy focused on limiting the influence and threats of adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.

Trump escalates rhetoric toward Havana

The military moves have coincided with a political escalation by Trump toward Cuba. In his address to the UN General Assembly, he said his administration seeks "fundamental change" on the island and predicted the fall of the communist government, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out during his speech.

Trump also said Senator Marco Rubio is negotiating with Havana, stressing that the US will not allow its adversaries to strengthen their influence in the region. The president has previously spoken in ways that suggest a more direct approach toward Cuba, and his administration has imposed sanctions on Cuban entities and officials, including those linked to the military and the nickel industry.

Havana vows to resist any attack

In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has pledged to confront any potential US attack, accusing Washington of "aggression" and "economic warfare" by blocking oil imports to the country.

These developments coincide with US military operations in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, which CBS News says have resulted in over 230 deaths in 70 strikes since September. Legal experts argue that some of these actions may amount to extrajudicial killings, as debate continues over their legal basis.