U.S. military laying groundwork for potential action around Cuba

The U.S. Army Reserve is examining the possibility of providing support units, including police forces, medical personnel, and other support, to the U.S. Southern Command within the next four months, according to an internal Army message reviewed by CBS News. While the message does not explicitly mention Cuba, it is part of continued military planning aimed at the island nation, according to multiple U.S. officials.

The planning comes as the Trump administration applies economic pressure on Cuba and urges the island nation to make political reforms. The Army Reserve is seeking feedback from subordinate commands on the availability of six types of formations that would fall under the authority of U.S. Southern Command, including a combat sustainment support battalion, an engineer battalion, a medical brigade, a forward resuscitative and surgical detachment, and a military police brigade.

The Army Reserve did not respond to CBS News for comment, while U.S. Southern Command stated that they continuously coordinate with the Joint Force to assess potential requirements across its area of responsibility in support of assigned missions.

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