US Officials Claim Russia and China Expanding Intelligence Operations in Cuba

According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Beijing and Moscow have upgraded their electronic surveillance facilities in Cuba and increased the number of intelligence personnel stationed there since 2023, Anadolu Agency reported.

Officials said the facilities are strategically positioned to monitor U.S. military activities in southern Florida.

The surveillance operations reportedly include monitoring communications linked to:

• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa
• U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) near Miami

The intelligence assessment identified 18 known signals intelligence facilities across Cuba.

According to U.S. officials:

• China operates three facilities
• Russia operates two
• Several sites are believed to be jointly run with Cuban authorities
• The remaining facilities are reportedly owned by Cuba

Washington views these developments as part of a broader effort by rival powers to strengthen their presence in the Western Hemisphere.

The Trump administration has used the intelligence findings to justify adopting a tougher stance toward Havana.

Officials argue that Cuba has effectively become a platform for Russian and Chinese operations close to the U.S. mainland.

The report also claimed that Cuban intelligence activity has increased around the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay on the island’s southeastern coast.

Following directives from recently departed U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, the United States has reportedly intensified surveillance of Cuba, including increased drone flights and satellite monitoring. However, her office declined to comment publicly on the matter.

China has rejected the allegations, accusing Washington of spreading false claims to pressure Cuba.

Russia has not officially responded to the report. However, Moscow has publicly criticized U.S. policies toward Havana and reaffirmed its continued support for Cuba.