The Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, stated that the Bastión Military Exercise in Cuban universities will send a clear message to the new Administration of President Donald Trump.
"Serves to convey a message to the government of the United States, that as has always been said, they are prepared, have the most modern equipment and weaponry, but they lack what we have in abundance, which is the willingness to fight and die to defend the homeland," Marrero expressed.
In the exercise, students from the University of Computer Science (UCI) and the Technological University of Havana "José Antonio Echeverría" (Cujae) participated. They were trained by officers of the Cuban Armed Forces to learn how to shoot with combat weapons.
"From today until January 24, the Bastion 2024 Strategic Exercise will take place throughout Cuba, aimed at enhancing the country's readiness for defense and the preparation of troops and the population to confront various actions from the enemy," Marrero said on X.
Since the arrival of Donald Trump at the White House this Monday, the actions of the Cuban regime on social media have been focused on showcasing a supposed military readiness to confront, according to statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel, imperialism.
In the circulated images, the students are seen using Russian AK-47 rifles and throwing grenades.
"As long as imperialism exists, the Party, the State, and the People will pay the highest attention to defense services. It is an inviolable principle," wrote the leader on X.
El Bastión takes place during a time of increasing rejection of mandatory military service in Cuba, following the death of nine teenagers due to the alleged mishandling of old weaponry in a military unit.
This fact sparked criticism of the State due to the inadequate safety conditions and the requirement to enlist young people from the age of 16 in the ranks of the FAR.
One of the first executive orders signed by Donald Trump was to reverse the decision made by the Joe Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
This generated an immediate reaction from Miguel Díaz-Canel. The Cuban leader accused Trump of acting with "arrogance" and promoting a "cruel economic war" against the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Military Bastion Exercise and the Situation in Cuba
What is the Military Bastion Exercise in Cuba?
The Military Bastion Exercise is a strategic training conducted throughout Cuba aimed at enhancing the country's defense readiness. It involves students and soldiers in arms handling practices to address alleged external threats, particularly from the United States government.
Why does the Cuban government conduct these military exercises at universities?
The Cuban government conducts these exercises at universities to convey a message of preparedness and willingness to defend the homeland. The aim is to engage youth in the defense of the socialist regime, using educational institutions to reinforce military indoctrination under the justification of confronting "imperialism."
What has been the reaction of the Cuban population to mandatory military service?
The imposition of mandatory military service is generating increasing rejection within the Cuban population, especially following tragic incidents such as the deaths of adolescents due to handling of old weaponry. Criticisms focus on the lack of safety and the requirement to include young individuals from the age of 16 in military ranks.
How does Donald Trump's decision to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism affect the situation?
The decision by Donald Trump to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism intensifies tensions between Cuba and the United States, as the Cuban regime perceives it as a tool of economic pressure that exacerbates the hardships faced by the Cuban people, according to official statements.
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