The United States has increased its intelligence presence in and around Cuba in recent months as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the communist regime, according to two people familiar with the administration’s plans, Politico reported.

The expanded intelligence activity could support a range of possible operations, from increased efforts to gather information inside Cuba to attempts to recruit Cuban government or military officials who could assist the United States.

One person familiar with the activity said the United States has significantly increased its intelligence collection efforts involving Cuba. The source declined to provide operational details, citing the risk that disclosure could compromise ongoing activities and place intelligence personnel in danger.

A second person confirmed that the CIA’s presence related to Cuba has recently increased but similarly declined to discuss the scope or nature of the activity because of the sensitivity of intelligence operations.

The increased presence is viewed by people familiar with the administration’s thinking as a significant step in its escalating campaign against the Cuban government. However, the precise objectives of the expanded intelligence activity remain closely guarded.

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