Government acknowledges increase in violence even involving firearms in Cuba.

The Cuban government recognized on Thursday a worrying increase in criminal violence on the island, including the use of firearms.

According to statements made by Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, head of the General Directorate of the National Revolutionary Police, criminal activities are linked to a series of factors, including smuggling from abroad, drug trafficking, and the movement of national and foreign citizens that negatively impact the country's security.

During his intervention on the television program Round Table, he pointed out that in addition, there is a deterioration of some ethical values that contribute to the increase in criminal activity.

"The main manifestations, although not the only ones, are crimes against property, thefts in homes, incidents related to the theft of cell phones, motorbikes, and belongings in general of the affected population," explained Sierra Arias.

He added that these crimes are being confronted directly and prioritized by the authorities.

The colonel also emphasized the concern about the increase in acts of violence, mostly associated with personal situations and disputes, which sometimes involve the use of weapons. These incidents have been prioritized within the prevention and confrontation scheme of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), he noted.

We must also reiterate some acts of violence, which fundamentally are associated with personal situations, grudges; but as is known, a series of violent incidents have occurred, sometimes involving the use of weapons, and that also within the prevention and confrontation framework of the Ministry of the Interior organs have priority," he pointed out.

In addition, Sierra Arias emphasized the participation of young people and minors in these criminal acts, noting that many of them are disconnected from studying and working, further exacerbating the situation.

Although he stated that the government has implemented a set of actions and priority measures to address these challenges, seeking to strengthen prevention and improve public safety, the complaints from the population about the increase in violence could indicate that the regime's actions are not working.

Recently, the capital of the island was shocked by a massive fight between groups of young people that left chilling images of gangs armed with machetes and victims of knife wounds at "Finca de los Monos," a children's area.

In February, several Cuban mothers shared their concerns about the increase in violence and crime, exchanging testimonies that illustrated the growing atmosphere of insecurity in the country. One of them said that her son attended the Havana Book Fair with his girlfriend and two friends, and when they boarded a bus to return, a group on the bus started threatening everyone once they entered the tunnel, pulling out knives and attacking.

A few weeks ago, a Cuban jeweler was murdered in broad daylight with a firearm.