Cuba an Ally for U.S. Coast Guard

While U.S. politicians label Cuba a “national security threat,” U.S. security forces quietly cooperate with Cuba on counterterrorism and anti-trafficking efforts—calling it one of Washington’s most effective partners in the region.

TRANSCRIPT

Cuba is dying to harm the United States in any way shape or form, says Rep. María Elvira Salazar.

A regime that brutally oppresses the Cuban people andcontinuously undermines U.S national security interests, says Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart.

 Some U.S. politicians like to paint Cuba as a national security threat, but when it comes to the fight against drug trafficking, U.S security forces consider Cuba an ally. 

Nice to meet you, Alendaro Collazo.

Carter Bass, from the U.S. Embassy.

One of those sacks has around 25 kilos.

 last May the U.S Coast Guard and Cuban Border guard work together to seize an illegal drug shipment.

It’s the same process, whether it’s a ton, or a pound.

in July U.S officials joined their Cubancounterparts to observe the destruction of the drugs .

The cane drops the drugs in the furnace. I love it.

I think the U.S. Coast Guard has always maintained close relations with the Cuban government, and especially with the Interior Ministry and Cuban Coast Guard, says Alejandro Collazo, U.S. Coast Guard. I would dare to say that we talk to each other more than once a week.

Cuba has always been open to cooperating with all U.S. forces and especially with the U.S. Coast Guard, not only in fighting drug trafficking, but also in confronting terrorists, human trafficking, as well as environmental protection and search and rescue operations, says Sergio Ortiz, Cuban Border Guard.

To the whole crew, take your positions and prepare your rapid responses for combat action and victory.

The Biden administration has embraced Trump’s hardline policy toward Cuba.

This has not included designating Cuba a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” without presenting any evidence. But experts say that the U.S. has quietly worked with Cuba in counterterrorism efforts, as well as the fight against narco-trafficking.

The United States, when it’s busy elsewhere, wants its southern flank secure. The major securing element on its southern flank is Cuba, whether it likes it or not. Says Hal Klepak, professor Emeritus Royal Military College.

How would you respond to some U.S. politicians who say that Cuba is a threat to U.S. national security? Asks Liz Oliva.

I couldn’t comment because I don’t really know those politicians. As a service member, very few of them have sat down at the table with me, and I don’t exactly know their opinions. Says Coast Guard.

Besides DEA, we have FBI interests and also Homeland Security investigations interests. We want communication and cooperation in areas that also fit within the U.S. national security interests. Says Jon Carter, Head of Security U.S. Embassy, Havana.

There are gains in key security areas for the United States from cooperation with Cuba that frankly, there aren’t with any other Latin American country. The most efficient partner of the United States in security terms in Latin America is Cuba. Says Hal Klepak.

Today, there is cooperation. As you know, the countries’ relations… says Coast Guard.

Thank you for the work that you all do. I hope that I can return one day, not necessarily because there are drugs, but to have coffee and sit down at the table to share best practices.