U.S. has dramatically stepped up intelligence operations near Cuba

Since February 4, the U.S. Navy and Air Force have conducted at least 25 such flights using aircraft and drones, most of which took place near the country’s two largest cities - Havana and Santiago de Cuba and some as far as 40 miles from the coast, CNN reports.

The flights were carried out by maritime patrol aircraft designed for surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as aircraft specializing in electronic intelligence gathering. The U.S. military also deployed high-speed reconnaissance drones.

These flights are drawing attention due to the suddenness of their appearance and the timing of their operations.

Photo: CNN.