CIA Establishes Secret Task Force to Pressure Cuba’s Political Elite

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has quietly formed a dedicated task force to escalate pressure on Cuba, focusing on creating internal divisions within the island’s political leadership to push for economic, political, and leadership changes, according to reports from multiple verified sources. This move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s strategy toward Havana, with the task force reportedly already integrating case officers, intelligence analysts, and cyber operations specialists to rapidly deploy resources to the island.

CIA’s New Task Force and Historical Context

Unlike the 1961 task force, which trained Cuban exiles for the Bay of Pigs invasion, the current team lacks organized Cuban partners and instead relies on intelligence operations to sway internal dynamics. This shift reflects a broader U.S. strategy of maximum pressure under President Donald Trump, which has combined economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and heightened intelligence activity.

U.S. Pressure and Economic Sanctions

The task force’s creation follows a series of U.S. actions aimed at weakening Cuba’s economy and isolating its leadership. The U.S. imposed sanctions on ten Cuban entities, including the Ministry of Tourism, energy companies, and financial institutions, as part of a broader campaign to restrict the regime’s access to international markets. These measures, which freeze assets under U.S. jurisdiction and ban commercial ties with sanctioned entities, are designed to exacerbate Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis and economic instability.

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Marco Rubio and the Role of U.S. Diplomacy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, has emerged as a central figure in the U.S. strategy toward Cuba. Rubio is seen as the chief architect of the maximum pressure policy, with a source describing Cuba as a huge priority for Rubio. His influence is evident in the U.S. government’s recent actions, including the Justice Department’s criminal charges against Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. The charges, which were announced alongside the CIA’s task force creation, underscore the administration’s dual focus on legal and covert pressure.

Rubio’s role has also been highlighted in diplomatic communications. A statement from the U.S. president said, We have the CIA there and Marco there, referring to Cuba and the secretary of state. However, the task force’s focus on internal divisions suggests a more nuanced approach than direct military intervention.

Cuban Responses and Internal Dynamics

Cuba’s leadership has responded to U.S. pressure by seeking foreign investment and diplomatic engagement. El Correo reported that the Cuban government has welcomed foreign capital, including an agreement with an Emirati consortium to develop a luxury resort in Cayo Santa María. The project, which involves the state-run GAESA conglomerate, aims to attract private investment despite U.S. sanctions.

TRT World noted that the U.S. has also increased its focus on Cuba’s potential military ties with Iran and Russia, with reports that the administration is investigating whether Iran has stationed drones on the island.

For now, the task force’s activities remain shrouded in secrecy, with the CIA declining to comment on the initiative.