Cuba is stepping up its military training against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with the United States and fears of a possible American invasion. The country’s President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has stated that Havana has already activated its wartime structures and is preparing the population for defence.
However, the Cuban leader did not specify any particular timeframe for a possible attack, and there is no evidence that Washington has decided to launch a military operation. This has been reported by Granma and the EFE news agency.
13 November Díaz-Canel He attended a training session organised by the Territorial Defence Council in the municipality of Boyeros, near Havana. During a meeting with military leaders, the president stated that the country was prepared to repel any external attack.
According to him, recent statements by American politicians and government officials have forced the Cuban leadership to step up defence measures. The country has activated the structures designed to operate in wartime, although they are currently functioning under peacetime conditions.
The preparations involve local authorities, military units and the civilian population. The Cuban authorities are guided by the «War of the Whole People» defence doctrine, which provides for the involvement of the population in the defence of the country in the event of a foreign invasion.
Díaz-Canel reported that the nationwide strategic exercises «Moncada 2026» had concluded in Cuba last week. According to him, they provided an opportunity to test the readiness of the command structure and coordination between defence agencies.
In addition to large-scale manoeuvres, the Cuban government organises weekly national defence days. As part of these activities, local authorities practise public warning procedures, the protection of civilians and the operation of critical infrastructure in the event of a potential conflict.
In the Boyeros district, where José Martí International Airport is located, 36 industrial and defence brigades are set to operate. The authorities are also focusing on ensuring food supplies for the population and the functioning of local infrastructure.
The Cuban president’s statements came following yet another escalation in Washington’s rhetoric. According to CiberCuba, Donald Trump On 12 November, he stated that he might consider launching a short-term military campaign against the island.
Díaz-Canel accused the US authorities of stepping up the pressure and called for an end to the economic blockade of Cuba. He emphasised that his country poses no threat to other states, but is prepared to defend its own territory.
Despite intensified defence preparations and strong statements from both sides, there is no official information regarding the start of a US military operation against Cuba.