Rubio calls on Cubans to partner with CIA ‘to create positive change’

Washington: On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called upon Cubans to discreetly engage with American intelligence services as the US aims to end the communist regime on the island. For months, President Donald Trump and other high-ranking US officials have hinted at a potential military intervention or takeover of Cuba, intensifying economic, political, and legal pressure on the nation.

Speaking on social media, Rubio said, "Now is the time for those who strive to effect positive change in Cuba." He added that the disappointment of unfulfilled promises, corruption, and privileged lives for a select few presents an opportunity to bring about the desired change through a discreet partnership with the CIA. Meanwhile, Trump, at a Florida rally, emphasized his goal of regime change in Cuba, envisioning one of the US military ships halting near the Cuban coast, raising its hands, and then Rubio stepping in to conclude the agreement.

In a recent development, Florida's top prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for former president Raul Castro on state murder charges, reflecting a federal indictment from earlier this year. Raul Castro, 95, is accused of the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by the Brothers to the Rescue, a group aiding Cubans in fleeing to the US by sea.

The Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, dismissed the federal indictment as lacking legal basis and a justification for military aggression against Cuba. Additionally, the United States imposed a de facto energy blockade on Cuba in January, threatening sanctions against any country supplying fuel to the island nation of 9.4 million inhabitants.