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The CNN network published an extensive report from Havana this weekend, describing a growing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in Cuba in the face of escalating pressure driven by the administration of Donald Trump against the Cuban regime.
The article, signed by journalist Patrick Oppmann, argues that many Cubans feel the tensions with Washington have entered an unprecedented phase, characterized by sanctions, an energy crisis, rumors of intervention, and an increase in official rhetoric regarding a potential U.S. military aggression.
Now it really seems like the Americans are coming, summarizes the report, capturing the sentiment of a portion of the Cuban population, historically accustomed to living with threats and rhetoric about a potential confrontation with the United States.
CNN reports that even managers of state buildings in Havana have begun receiving instructions to prepare contingency plans in anticipation of a hypothetical "imperialist aggression."
The article states that the recent visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Cuba was interpreted on the island as an extremely serious signal. The report itself recalls that for the Cuban political apparatus, the CIA remains the historical symbol of U.S. covert operations against the revolution.
The journalist also describes how the economic situation on the island continues to deteriorate rapidly due to the energy crisis and the tightening of U.S. sanctions.
According to CNN, daily blackouts, a lack of fuel, and shortages of basic goods are worsening social unrest. The text mentions hospitals without medicines, garbage piling up in the streets, and food spoiling due to prolonged power outages.
In parallel, the report highlights the increasing political tension arising from rumors of a possible federal indictment in the United States against Raúl Castro for the downing of the planes belonging to Brothers to the Rescue in 1996.
CNN claims that several Cuban officials believe that an accusation of this nature would be interpreted by Havana as a precursor to an even greater escalation.
The article also mentions recent statements from Miguel Díaz-Canel, who stated on May 1st that Cubans are willing to “give their lives for the revolution”.
Besides, Cuban state media have shown images of civilians receiving military training as part of the "people's war" doctrine, designed during the era of Fidel Castro to respond to a potential foreign invasion.
Even so, CNN gathers opinions from Cubans exhausted by the economic crisis and constant blackouts, some of whom assert that the country is already living in a critical situation.
“If half must die, then let half die, but may the other half live in peace,” stated a woman quoted by the network during a protest against blackouts in Havana.
The report concludes by noting that, although there are no public signs of an imminent military operation, the tightening pressure from Washington has reignited old fears in Cuba associated with decades of confrontation with the United States.
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