HAVANA (AP) — Cuba lashed back Friday at what it called a campaign of distortions over the health of an imprisoned American contractor, and hinted at retaliation that could include transferring the 63-year-old man from the military hospital where he is being held to a regular prison.

The Foreign Ministry statement marked an escalation in a dispute that has been simmering for 2 ½ years and that has torpedoed any hope of improved ties between the Cold War enemies. Maryland-native Alan Gross is serving a 15-year term for bringing satellite and other communications equipment into Cuba illegally while on a USAID-funded democracy-building program.

Recommended Stories

Obama and Slotkin’s selective defense of American ideals

The military’s $1 billion drone plan to take on China — and how it hopes it never has to use them

Israeli conservative parties lose last-ditch bid to extend voting as election sees record turnout