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The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez participated in a shooting practice alongside students from the University of Computer Sciences (UCI), as part of the activities of the so-called Student Bastion.
In the images shared by the leader on the social network X, students are seen using Russian AK-47 rifles and throwing grenades in an exercise that, according to Díaz-Canel, strengthens military training against "imperialism."
Díaz-Canel evoked Fidel Castro to justify the military exercise
"As long as imperialism exists, the Party, the State, and the People will give the highest attention to defense services. It is an inviolable principle," wrote the leader, reaffirming the Castroist doctrine that prioritizes militarization even within academic institutions.
The shooting practice at UCI takes place amid growing opposition to mandatory military service in Cuba, following the death of nine teenagers during an ammunition incident.
The incident, originally attributed to the handling of old weaponry, has raised questions about security conditions and the requirement to enlist young people from the age of 16 in the military ranks.
Moreover, this exercise in the ICU takes place in a context marked by the decision of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to reverse Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
This announcement, made on Monday just a few hours after Trump's inauguration, overturned the previous decision of the outgoing president, Joe Biden, which sought to eliminate that designation.
Criticism of militarism at UCI
The UCI is not only known for its academic work but also for hosting teams dedicated to monitoring and defending the Cuban regime on social media.
Images of students engaged in military activities have sparked mixed reactions, with criticisms focused on the exploitation of youth for political and propaganda purposes.
The combination of military practices and technological training is seen by some analysts as an attempt by the Cuban government to maintain tight control over younger generations while facing an escalating economic, social, and migratory crisis.
Tension in Cuba following Donald Trump's rise to power in the U.S.
The decision by Trump to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism was described by Díaz-Canel as an act of "arrogance" and an economic pressure tool.
In a message posted on his social media, the Cuban leader accused the U.S. president of fostering a "cruel economic war" that, according to him, exacerbates the hardships faced by the Cuban people.
"President Trump, in an act of arrogance and disdain for the truth, has just reinstated the fraudulent designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. It comes as no surprise. His goal is to continue strengthening the cruel economic war against Cuba for the purposes of domination," he wrote.
The relationship between Cuba and the United States remains marked by tensions, and these are expected to increase as Trump consolidates his power. The regime blames the United States for the shortages suffered by the people and asserts that all of the country's problems are due to the embargo and Washington's policies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Shooting Practice and the Situation in Cuba
Why did Díaz-Canel participate in a shooting practice with students from UCI?
Díaz-Canel participated in a shooting practice with students from the University of Informatics Sciences (UCI) as part of the Student Bastion, a military exercise that, according to him, aims to strengthen military readiness in the face of "imperialism." This event has been criticized for prioritizing militarization even in academic institutions.
What has been the reaction to military training at UCI?
Military training at the UCI has drawn criticism from those who see it as an exploitation of youth for political and propaganda purposes. The combination of technological education and military practices is viewed as an attempt to maintain control over younger generations amidst an economic and social crisis in Cuba.
What impact does Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism have?
The inclusion of Cuba in the list of state sponsors of terrorism entails severe economic sanctions, including financial and trade restrictions. Díaz-Canel has described this measure as an act of "arrogance" and an economic pressure tool by the United States, against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the two countries.
What consequences has mandatory military service had in Cuba?
The compulsory military service in Cuba has faced increasing rejection, especially following the death of nine teenagers in an incident involving ammunition. This event has raised questions about safety conditions and the mandatory enlistment of young people from the age of 16 in the military ranks.
How does the U.S. economic embargo affect the situation in Cuba?
According to Díaz-Canel, the economic embargo imposed by the United States is the primary cause of the shortages and difficulties in Cuba. However, internal and external critics point out that the inefficiency of the Cuban economic model and the lack of structural reforms are also determining factors in the crisis facing the island.
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