Classified U.S. intelligence shared with Axios alleges that Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones and has recently been discussing plans to use them against the Guantanamo Bay U.S. military base and possibly Key West, Florida, Axios reported on May 17. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the United States of fabricating a "fraudulent case" to justify U.S. sanctions and potential military action, also stating, "Cuba neither threatens nor desires war."

Axios also cited an unnamed CIA official, who said CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba on May 14 and warned officials against engaging in hostilities, also urging them to end "their totalitarian government." The reporting comes ahead of a planned U.S. indictment of former Cuban President and Communist Party leader Raul Castro on May 20. Cuba reportedly acquired the drones from Russia and Iran. The reporting comes as U.S. economic pressure on Cuba has escalated, while Cuba has reported that it has run out of fuel, with widespread power outages creating a humanitarian crisis.