In the eastern provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín, the Cuban regime conducted drills with the so-called rapid response brigades (BRR), groups of civilians organized and trained by the government to act in coordination with the authorities in response to scenarios of social discontent, protests, or riots.
According to a report from the official Cuban Television Informative System, these groups were activated in the municipality of Guantánamo with the objective of “countering actions from the enemy and safeguarding territorial integrity,” as part of a defense exercise.
As part of the exercise in the defense zone La Confianza, located south of the provincial capital, reduced shooting practices, weapon assembly and disassembly, and the missions for the various working groups were defined.
In the presence of the president of the Municipal Defense Council, Albis López Ramírez, local authorities emphasized the importance of these maneuvers to ensure—according to the official version—control in the event of internal conflicts.
Similarly, in the city of Banes, Holguín, the zone 20-03-12 of Betancur was activated, where the BRR, referred to in the official narrative as unarmed defensive components, received training in the use of weaponry and tactics to respond to potential crisis situations.
This type of "training" highlights the strategy of the Cuban regime to pit people against people by using organized and indoctrinated civilians to suppress any attempts at protest or demonstration, as has happened in the past.
Under the pretext of territorial defense, these BRR receive training in weapon handling and control tactics, reinforcing the state's surveillance and coercion apparatus.
In this way, the regime not only maintains a parallel structure of social containment but also promotes internal confrontation as a mechanism of deterrence and political control.
With the intensification of the economic crisis, the uncontrolled rise in prices, and the relentless blackouts, the Cuban regime fears new civil protests. Thus, exercises like these not only prepare its "civil army," but also disseminate such news to quell popular discontent.
However, this "initiative" is not new. In 2022, for example, the government of the city of Yara, in Granma province, provided members of the rapid response brigades with sticks to go out and suppress potential protesters against the regime.
"The healthcare workers forming the rapid response brigade at the Luis E. de la Paz Polyclinic are preparing for various events of enemy manifestation in Yara, Granma province," stated a message published on Facebook.
In 2020, the governments of Holguín and Cabaiguán advocated for the creation of anti-hoarding groups, with the aim of attacking the hoarders in both territories, although in reality it was a rescue of the BBR.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drills with Rapid Response Brigades in Cuba
What are the Rapid Response Brigades in Cuba?
The Rapid Response Brigades (BRR) are groups of civilians organized and trained by the Cuban government to act in coordination with authorities in response to scenarios of social discontent, protests, or unrest. Their purpose, according to the official narrative, is to counteract actions from the "enemy" and safeguard territorial integrity. However, there is criticism that these brigades promote internal confrontation and reinforce the state's surveillance and coercion apparatus.
Where were the drills with the Rapid Response Brigades conducted?
The drills took place in the eastern provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín. In Guantánamo, they were activated in the municipality of the same name and in the La Confianza defense zone, while in Holguín it was conducted in the city of Banes, specifically in the 20-03-12 area of Betancur.
What kind of training do the Rapid Response Brigades receive?
The Rapid Response Brigades receive training in the use of weapons and tactics to respond to crisis situations. The exercises include reduced shooting practice, assembling and disassembling weapons, and defining missions for the various task groups. These activities enhance the government's ability to manage any attempts at protest or demonstration.
What is the critical stance towards the use of the Rapid Response Brigades?
The main criticism is that the Cuban regime uses these brigades to turn the people against one another, indoctrinating civilians to suppress any attempts at protest. Under the pretext of territorial defense, internal confrontation is promoted as a mechanism of deterrence and political control, which reveals a strategy of repression and surveillance by the State over its own population.
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