A young man who is completing the Active Military Service (SMA) in Cuba stated that, following the events related to Venezuela, his unit was put on “combat readiness.”
According to a message reproduced this Saturday by reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, the young people have been mobilized within the Military Unit 1573 of Air Defense in Santiago de Cuba.
“Yosmany, I inform you that, following the events related to Venezuela, the Military Unit 1573 of Air Defense has us on combat alert,” says the text attributed to the young man.
The report does not provide additional details about the type of measures activated or any official statement, limiting itself to the complaint disseminated by the journalist.
In the comments collected alongside the post, several internet users expressed concern for family members who would be in that unit.
A user wrote that her twin brothers "are in that unit" and that her mother is "nervous."
Another one said that many were "upset" and "desperate": "That’s how we all are, upset and desperate, praying for our children."
Other messages referred to the location of the unit and to signs of possible military activation.
A comment identifies the facility as "the unit located on the Old Cobre Road," and another person claimed to have seen a helicopter headed to Holguín on Saturday afternoon.
"An alarm for combat has already been raised," wrote an internet user who saw the helicopters flying overhead.
A mother, for her part, said: “My son is there and I don't even want to think about anything happening; I'm going there tomorrow.”
The anguish of mothers grows in light of the tragedies related to the Military Service in Cuba that have shocked public opinion.
In December, the father of a deceased young man published a gallery featuring dozens of images of recruits who died or suffered severe consequences, denouncing the impunity and the silence of the State.
According to their count, at least 78 teenagers have lost their lives since 2019 under circumstances that include accidents, medical negligence, or suicides within military units.
The atmosphere of militarization and indoctrination also had a symbolic episode at the beginning of December, when the authorities in Santiago de Cuba mobilized children and teenagers to participate in political worship events for Fidel Castro, presented as patriotic tributes.
Images of minors in uniform holding portraits of the deceased leader have reignited criticisms regarding the use of minors in ideological ceremonies and the exploitation of youth for propaganda purposes.
These events, accumulated over a few weeks, reflect a growing social and familial discontent regarding the role of the Army in civilian life and the lack of government transparency.
The reports of deaths, abuses, and political manipulation of the youth intensify the mistrust towards military institutions and reveal a climate of tension that affects both the barracks and Cuban households.
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