CIA creates secret task force to pressure Cuba

CIA Cuba secret task force regime change Priority 1

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has secretly formed a dedicated task force focused on Cuba. The unit brings together case officers, intelligence analysts, cyber‑operations specialists and covert influence officers. Its stated aim is to create divisions within the Cuban political elite and encourage the replacement of anti‑American officials, supporting a broader regime‑change effort. The group is not authorized for lethal operations and its mandate can be altered by the president. Cuba has been elevated to “Priority 1” in the U.S. National Intelligence Priorities, alongside China, Iran and Russia. In May 2026 CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana and signaled that U.S. pressure would increase. At the same time, the United States has expanded intelligence collection over the island, deploying satellites, MQ‑4C Triton drones, RC‑135V Rivet Joint and P‑8A Poseidon aircraft, and has imposed new sanctions and an oil embargo targeting Cuban officials and entities. Cuban officials have denounced the operation as a criminal attempt at destabilisation.

Entities

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) · Cuba · Donald Trump · John Ratcliffe · Marco Rubio · New York Times · President Donald Trump · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 15 SOURCES] The group includes case officers, intelligence analysts, cyber‑operations specialists and influence‑operation experts. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 15 SOURCES] Cuba is listed as a “Priority 1” target alongside China, Iran and Russia in a U.S. intelligence priority document. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The CIA’s current unit differs from the 1960 group that oversaw the Bay of Pigs invasion. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +3 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The group's purpose is to gather intelligence to influence Cuba’s political elite and support possible regime change. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The CIA created the group in response to concerns about the Cuban government’s influence and international ties. diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · www.cnctvgranma.cu · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +3 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The group is not authorized for lethal operations and its mandate can be modified by the U.S. president. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The United States has imposed new sanctions and an oil embargo on Cuba targeting officials and companies. elpais.com · www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The CIA created a secret operational group focused on Cuba. www.cnctvgranma.cu · diariodelcauca.com.co · www.diariodelsur.com.co · elpais.com · metrolatinousa.com · +10 more
[● 2 SOURCES] CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana in May 2026 and discussed regime change with Cuban officials. time.news · www.notiulti.com
[● 3 SOURCES] U.S. intelligence assets, including satellites and aircraft such as MQ‑4C Triton drones, RC‑135V Rivet Joint and P‑8A Poseidon, have increased surveillance over Cuba. time.news · news.antiwar.com · www.notiulti.com