Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ as U.S. pressure campaign intensifies

The Cuban government is warning that growing tensions with the United States could have serious consequences, as residents on the island grapple with worsening shortages and uncertainty.

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In Havana, some Cubans openly expressed frustration with the country’s leadership — a level of criticism rarely heard publicly on the communist island.

“Logic tells us there has to be regime change,” said Havana street vendor Yosvany Almaguer, who told NBC6 conditions in Cuba continue to deteriorate after decades under the same government.

The comments come as the Trump administration intensifies its “maximum pressure” campaign against Cuba through sanctions and legal action targeting top officials.

Last week, longtime Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted in the United States for his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, which killed four people.

Florida Republicans are signaling that all options remain available.

“You never take any option off the table,” Sen. Rick Scott said when asked about possible U.S. military action against Cuba.

Scott added that President Donald Trump “wants peace,” but said Castro should stand trial in the United States.

Congressman Carlos Giménez also described the administration’s strategy as “maximum pressure,” noting the president technically has the option to seek Castro’s extradition from Cuba.

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Meanwhile, speaking before the United Nations Security Council in New York, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla warned against any U.S. military action.

“A military aggression would provoke a bloodbath,” Rodríguez said. “Thousands of Cubans would die defending their country.”

Back in Havana, some residents said they hope tensions do not escalate into violence.

“Bombs don’t have names,” Henry Rivera, a Havana resident, told NBC6. “What both sides need is negotiation.”

The uncertainty comes as Cuba faces deep economic troubles and severe fuel shortages, which Cuban officials partly blame on the U.S. embargo.

In another potential blow to the Cuban government, several reports indicate Spain’s Supreme Court has ordered the release of details related to Cuba’s debt to Spain.

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