The United States has increased its spying capabilities in Cuba, from growing its network of covert agents to sending more surveillance flights around the island, as it seeks to pressure the current regime to surrender or fall, according to a report.
Over the last few months, the Trump administration has sent more spies to Cuba – a move that could precede a larger military operation, a person familiar with the matter told Politico Tuesday. However, any actual plans for such escalation have not been formally made.
Another person familiar with the matter described the recent increase in activity as bolstering the CIA’s “presence” to Politico, but did not provide further details.
The reported increase in spies comes more than two months after CNN noted the U.S. had increased surveillance flights around and near Cuba to send a message to authorities that it was monitoring the ongoing situation.
Cuba has been on the brink of crisis since President Donald Trump effectively imposed an oil blockade on the country earlier this year. Without fuel, hospitals are strained for resources, trash has piled up and residents have been plunged into darkness.
The Independent has asked the CIA and the Director of National Intelligence’s Office for comment.
The exact scope of the recent increase in intelligence collection efforts is unclear because such actions are conducted discreetly and leaks to the media are often vague to protect ongoing operations’ integrity.
The CIA uses various tactics to engage in spying abroad. Officers can recruit foreigners, native to the country they are targeting, to help steal secrets or report back insider information.
The U.S. can also utilize military resources, such as Navy or Air Force planes and drones, to conduct surveillance.
It’s not unusual that the U.S. is conducting spying operations in Cuba, or elsewhere, given it has done so for years.
But over time, spying efforts by the CIA and other intelligence-related agencies have been hindered in part by the controversial Havana syndrome, Politico reported.
Trump has made it clear he wants the Cuba government to change – whether it's on their own terms or by force. For months, the president has predicted Cuba is on the verge of collapse and pitched ideas such as a “friendly takeover.”
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has pushed back on the U.S.’s efforts, accusing the Trump administration of trying to decimate Cubans and insisting he would not make changes to appease the U.S.
The U.S. has attempted to further increase pressure on Cuba by issuing an indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for murder.
Last month, the State Department also issued a report accusing Cuba of engaging in a “sustained campaign of subversion” against the U.S. and tied it to a left-leaning network of high-profile individuals, organizations and other information groups.
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