Trump denies escalation in Cuba after Raul Castro indictment

Alsharq Tribune-Ahmed Essam 

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that there will not be escalation in Cuba, shortly after a U.S. grand jury in Florida indicted Cuban Revolution leader Raul Castro and following the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Caribbean.

Speaking to reporters, Trump argued that the United States is "freeing up Cuba," adding that he cannot say what is next for the island country.

Responding to the U.S. indictment against Raul Castro, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Wednesday that the U.S. charges are just a "political maneuver" with no legal basis whatsoever.

According to the U.S. Southern Command, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, which includes the aircraft carrier, its carrier air wing, and at least one guided-missile destroyer, has arrived in the Caribbean on Wednesday.

Trump has hinted recently that the next target of U.S. military operations would be Cuba after the Iran war.