Full Breakdown
U.S. Flights Near Cuba
5/12/2026, 12:05:46 AM
U.S. Flights Near Cuban Coast
Since Feb. 4, at least 25 U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft/drones have been observed near Cuba’s coastline, according to CNN flight data. They included P-8A Poseidon patrol planes, RC-135V Rivet Joint jets and MQ-4C Triton drones, within 40 mi of Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
Background: Venezuela Operation & Trump’s Cuba
The flight pattern mirrors the build-up to the Jan. 3 operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed Cuba is “his for the taking,” reposted a Fox clip, and imposed an oil blockade that strained Cuba’s power grid, hospitals and schools.
Key Actors
President Donald Trump, former Florida senator Marco Rubio (cited as Secretary of State), and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez are political actors. U.S. Navy maritime patrol squadrons and Air Force strategic reconnaissance units operate the aircraft, while Cuban authorities and Miami-based anti-communist exile community are referenced.
Data
The analysis recorded at least 25 flights from Feb. 4, with several aircraft within 40 mi of Havana. Cuba’s oil demand is 100,000 barrels per day, supplied by Venezuela; the blockade has caused blackouts and flight suspensions.
Official Statements
President Trump said sanctions target a regime aligned with hostile actors and that he will take over Cuba after Iran conflict ends. Rubio called Cuba a “failed state” run by “incompetent communists” and warned the Maduro operation serves as a warning to Latin America. Cuban government labeled U.S. actions economic warfare.
Criticism
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the flights “contemptible yet curious and ridiculous,” and sanctions a “cynical and hypocritical” act of economic warfare, arguing the proximity of U.S. aircraft threatens the island’s government.
Conflicts
The CNN analysis is based on flight-tracking data; no official U.S. confirmation of the missions has been offered. Source’s reliability rating is 38.46, indicating limited verification. Exact purpose of the flights and precise number beyond “at least 25” remain unverified.
Quotes
- “Whether I free it, take it.” — President Donald Trump
- “Cuba’s status quo is unacceptable. Cuba needs to change. It needs to change, and it doesn’t have to change all at once. Everyone is mature and realistic.” — Marco Rubio, former Florida senator
- “Don’t play games with this president in office, because it’s not going to turn out well.” — Marco Rubio, former Florida senator
- “The latest U.S. act of hostility is contemptible yet curious and ridiculous, a cynical and hypocritical act of economic warfare.” — Bruno Rodriguez, Cuban Foreign Minister
Outlook
Trump has said he will take over Cuba “almost immediately” after the Iran conflict is resolved and new sanctions are introduced, which the White House described as targeting a regime that aligns with hostile countries and malign actors.
