At least three U.S. Military vessels were detected operating close to Cuban waters as of Sunday, February 8, 2026. The information was obtained through tracking maps from VesselFinder, a platform commonly used for near real-time monitoring of naval traffic.
Increased U.S. Naval Presence
Whereas VesselFinder does not identify the names of the military vessels or provide exact, continuous real-time positions, one ship was located less than eight nautical miles off the coast of Cuba (Cayo Romano Occidental) around 11:00 a.m. This places it within the area immediately preceding Cuba’s territorial sea.
International maritime law, as defined by CONVEMAR, allows foreign vessels – including military ships – to transit territorial waters only under the principle of “innocent passage.” This passage must be rapid, continuous, and without hostile acts, intelligence gathering, or research.
The detection of one vessel less than eight nautical miles from the Cuban coast is particularly noteworthy, positioning it just four miles from the formal boundary of Cuban territorial waters – a zone considered highly sensitive from a military and geopolitical standpoint.
Operation Southern Spear
This activity occurs within the context of a broader U.S. Naval deployment in the Caribbean, linked to Operation Southern Spear. Under this operation, Washington has increased the interdiction of sanctioned vessels, control of maritime routes, and pressure on networks associated with illegal oil trafficking from Venezuela to Cuba.
In recent weeks, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have intercepted tankers, deployed aircraft carriers, and reinforced their presence near strategic points in the western Caribbean.
Although there is no official confirmation that the detected vessels have entered Cuban territorial waters, the recorded proximity reinforces a signal of military vigilance and deterrence at a time of high regional tension, marked by the collapse of the Venezuelan energy supply, pressure from Washington on Havana, and a reconfiguration of the balance of power in the Caribbean.
As of this reporting, the Cuban government has not issued a public statement regarding the presence of these military vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “innocent passage”?
“Innocent passage” allows foreign ships, including military vessels, to transit the territorial waters of a coastal state, provided the passage is rapid, continuous, and without any hostile acts or activities like intelligence gathering.
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. Operation focused on intensifying the interdiction of sanctioned vessels, controlling maritime routes, and applying pressure to networks involved in illegal oil trafficking from Venezuela to Cuba.
How far from Cuba’s coast were the vessels detected?
One of the vessels was detected less than eight nautical miles off the coast of Cuba (Cayo Romano Occidental) around 11:00 a.m., placing it within the area immediately preceding Cuba’s territorial sea.
What impact might this increased U.S. Naval presence have on regional stability in the Caribbean?
