Amid Tensions, US Plane Departs Havana Amidst Looming Talks

A U.S. government aircraft departed from Havana's international airport on Thursday afternoon, according to eyewitness accounts from Reuters. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement about impending discussions between the U.S. and Cuba, long-standing geopolitical adversaries.

The plane, noticed at Terminal 5 at Jose Marti Airport, took off around 2:45 p.m. ET, with several individuals seen boarding with luggage. This movement comes after a period of increased pressure from Trump on Cuba, especially following U.S. actions capturing Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, a close Cuban ally.

Amid ongoing tension, the U.S. government, including the State Department and the White House, has remained silent on the situation, even as blackouts in Havana spur protests, with residents facing spoiling food reserves and disrupted livelihoods.

(With inputs from agencies.)