Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez called on Cubans to strengthen military preparedness and to "enhance the concept of people's warfare" to confront alleged attacks from the United States.
"This year will be one of intense preparation for defense, and we will coordinate all the moments when we will have activities. We must do this with great systematization," Díaz-Canel directed.
His statements were made this Wednesday at the Provincial Defense Council Headquarters of Havana, as part of the Strategic Exercise Bastion 2024, an event led annually by the Army, aimed at "preparing the country for defense."
Díaz-Canel stated: "We are in a situation that is almost real because we are subjected to the policy of the new direction of the United States government, which is completely hegemonic and interventionist, treating Cuba with disdain. We have already started to see its first actions against the revolution."
It referred to Donald Trump's decision to reverse Cuba's removal from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, one of the executive orders that the president signed on his first day in the White House during this second term.
The Bastion Exercise 2024 was inaugurated by Raúl Castro, who at 93 years old has taken a more visible role in public events.
This call to prepare for "the people's war" comes in a context marked by tragedy in Holguín, where 13 people, including nine recruits, lost their lives in an accident at an ammunition depot.
It also arrives amidst a profound economic and political crisis in Cuba, where disillusionment among the population is growing, social apathy is evident, and there is a lack of participation in the regime's calls at all levels.
Díaz-Canel blames the United States government for the tense situation on the island due to the rise in poverty, inflation, blackouts, and food shortages.
He asserted that the Trump Administration is waging an "economic war against Cuba", despite the fact that all the country's problems have been occurring and increasing for more than 60 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Military Preparation and the Situation in Cuba
Why does Díaz-Canel urge Cubans to prepare for "the war of all the people"?
Díaz-Canel made this call in response to what he considers threats from the United States, following Donald Trump's decision to reverse Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Cuban government aims to strengthen military preparedness amid rising political and economic tensions.
What is the Strategic Exercise Bastion 2024?
The Strategic Exercise Bastion 2024 is an annual military event organized by the Cuban Army to prepare the country for defense. This exercise includes military maneuvers and shooting practice with the participation of students and armed forces, set against a backdrop of tensions with the United States.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect military preparation?
Cuba is facing a deep economic crisis characterized by food shortages, blackouts, and rising inflation. The Cuban regime uses military preparation as a strategy to divert attention from these internal issues, blaming the United States for the situation through the economic embargo.
What is Díaz-Canel's response to Trump's policies towards Cuba?
Díaz-Canel has described Trump's actions as "arrogant" and part of an "economic war" against Cuba. The Cuban leader accuses the U.S. government of creating difficult conditions on the island, while maintaining a stance of resistance and readiness to confront these aggressive policies.
Filed under:
