US military jets and drones tracked near Cuba as tensions rise

May 20, 2026

The US military is deliberately broadcasting the locations of surveillance flights near Cuba on public flight-tracking websites as part of increased pressure on the Cuban government. Analysis shows at least five Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft and three MQ-4C Triton drones have been operating near Cuba since May 11th, representing a significant increase from earlier periods. These operations coincide with heightened US-Cuba tensions following Washington's oil blockade, which has caused severe fuel shortages and power blackouts on the island.

Who is affected

The Cuban population experiencing fuel crises, power blackouts, and protests
Cuba's communist leadership and government
The US military conducting surveillance operations
Venezuela, as a Cuban ally potentially attempting energy shipments
President Donald Trump's administration applying pressure
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio making diplomatic overtures

What action is being taken

US Navy P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and MQ-4C Triton drones are conducting surveillance flights near Cuba
The US is broadcasting these flight locations publicly on tracking websites with transponders on
Washington is maintaining an oil blockade on Cuba
President Trump is threatening potential US intervention and pressuring Cuba to "make a deal"

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant escalation in US-Cuba relations with potential regional security implications. The public surveillance flights demonstrate a deliberate strategy to enforce economic pressure through the oil blockade while deterring allies like Venezuela from providing assistance. The resulting humanitarian crisis in Cuba, combined with US threats of military intervention similar to the recent Venezuela action, raises concerns about potential conflict and instability in the Caribbean region.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC