Rubio calls Cuba a threat to US as Havana accuses him of 'lies'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Cuba as a 'threat' to American national security in a Senate appearance. Havana responded that his statements were 'full of lies' and reflect political motivations behind the Castro case.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Cuba as 'a continuing threat to American national security' during a Senate appearance. Rubio argued that the island maintains a deepening intelligence partnership with China and serves as a 'staging ground' for unstable governments in Latin America. The remarks followed the US indictment of former Cuban president Raúl Castro and ongoing US military patrols across the Caribbean.
Havana responded that Rubio's statements were 'full of lies'. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said the United States continues to enforce an embargo that has lasted over six decades and accused Washington of political motivations behind the Castro case. Rodríguez criticised what he called Washington's attempt to depict the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue incident as a proven 'state action'.
Observers say the exchange is escalating tensions across the Caribbean. While diplomatic contacts between the United States and Cuba continue on migration and telecommunications, fresh visa and technology sanctions have appeared on the bilateral agenda in recent weeks. European Union representatives urged both sides to keep dialogue channels open.
More from South America
Cubans grapple with fuel shortages and blackouts as US steps up pressure
Cubans queueing for hours at fuel pumps in Havana now contend with blackouts reaching 16 hours a day. The Trump administration's tightening sanctions and the Castro indictment have further strained the island's economy. The government acknowledged that diesel imports have fallen 38 percent.
Gang violence kills at least 25 in Honduras
At least 25 people were killed in gang clashes near San Pedro Sula in Honduras. The Castro government extended the state of emergency and the military began patrols on the north coast; analysts say US regional policy is adding pressure on Tegucigalpa.
SK Hynix on track to become second Korean firm to hit $1 trillion market cap
Record demand for AI memory chips has pushed SK Hynix's market capitalisation close to the $1 trillion mark. If achieved, it would make the firm South Korea's second company to hit that level after Samsung Electronics.