The top US commander for Latin America held a meeting on Friday with Cuban military leaders. This interaction focused on operational security matters near the US naval base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. This visit is part of a broader strategy as President Donald Trump increases pressure on Cuban leadership.

President Trump made a statement indicating that change in Cuba would follow the US military’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during an incursion in January. In recent months, the Trump administration has imposed an oil blockade, deployed warships in the Caribbean, and filed federal charges against a former Cuban president.

Senior Trump advisors, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, met with Cuban officials to discuss potential improvements in bilateral relations. However, these talks left US representatives dissatisfied, leading to further sanctions on the Cuban government.

Besides meeting with Cuban military officials, US General Francis L. Donovan assessed the security of the Guantánamo Bay naval base. He also discussed military safety, family security, and operational readiness with base authorities, according to a statement by the US Southern Command posted on X.

The US continues to maintain the base at Guantánamo Bay despite enduring tensions with Cuba’s socialist leaders, whom Trump aims to displace. Currently, the US military has deployed a smaller fleet in the Caribbean compared to the force present during the Maduro operation.

The Pentagon announced on Friday a troop rotation, where 1,300 sailors and Marines will replace the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was stationed in the region last year.