The maneuvers of the Western Army, circulated on social media and reported by official Cuban media, sparked a wave of comments among citizens, who reacted with sarcasm, criticism, and mockery in response to the images of the military training carried out in recent days.
In the video posted on Facebook, where soldiers are seen descending from a helicopter on ropes, many Cubans sarcastically commented on the outdated equipment and the precarious state of the military. “The Delta Force, these guys wouldn’t scare anyone even in a paintball tournament,” wrote one user. Another added: “The fuel for that helicopter is not even good for public transportation. I've been at the bus stop for three hours.”
Among the comments, phrases such as: “With the hunger those soldiers have, the helicopter's air blows them away”; “Isn't it easier if the helicopter lands, I don't know, just saying”; or “Right then, the helicopter's lights go out and the mission gets ruined” were also read.
The criticisms were not limited to the technical aspect, and many pointed directly at the regime. "It's not the homeland they defend, but the dictatorship that oppresses it; never speak in the name of a nation that never chose you"; "The children of the leaders are abroad while you defend the indefensible"; "One drone is enough."
Some referred to the recent events in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. “They were so prepared and they brought Maduro in, but no worries, there will be two who will be picked up on this trip,” wrote a user. Another joked: “If the 140 Avispas Negras that were in Venezuela left them in tatters, to the point that 32 are going to return as corpses... so Raúl, start getting ready because you’re going to live in the United States and you'll get a visa just like Díaz-Canel.”
There were also messages that criticized the spending of fuel and resources while the population faces blackouts and shortages. “They spent the fuel they had for this year to make that video”; “There’s no oil for ambulances, but there is for war.”
Other users referred to the poor conditions of the troops: “They all look unwell. Weak legs.”; “They have maybe two or three helicopters, and from the '80s.”; “With the hunger those soldiers have, the helicopter's wind blows them away.”; “Give them food, or they might faint in the middle of an operation.”
There were also expressions of faith or support for the army, although they were in the minority. “Ready to defend our sovereignty. #FarCuba,” wrote one user. Another commented: “The people of Cuba trust in the FAR of this country. We are the uniformed people.”
On YouTube, the same video generated a similar reaction. “You will be cannon fodder, but my question is: are the Castros and their descendants going to go?”; “No one believes the lies anymore. Down with Canel and his military dictatorship”; “They are scared”; “May peace always be with Cuba and may it never come to the point of sacrificing the youth.”
In previous posts from the Western Army, shared in the days prior, the reactions were no different. Alongside official slogans like “The homeland is not for sale, it is defended” and “CubaEstáFirme,” other users responded: “Haha, I can already imagine the war stories”; “Wasn’t 32 enough for them, struck down in seconds?”; “Poor guys in military service, they are obligated.”
The increase in military propaganda occurs as the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces insists on messages about the "war of all the people" and "resistance against aggression." In a recent message on social media, the Minfar stated that "no enemy will be safe in Cuba" and shared images of soldiers handling landmines or practicing shooting with old weapons.
However, the response of Cubans on social media reflects a mood characterized by mockery, exhaustion, and a lack of faith in the official discourse. As one comment summarized: “They are weak in both body and spirit... they can't even handle a race.”
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