The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) of Cuba showcased its "muscle" on social media with a video celebrating the combat readiness of the border battalion near the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo. "For the pride of Eunomia, her family, and all Cubans, the name of Ramón López Peña now honors the vanguard of Cuban troops safeguarding our nation against the illegal U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo," stated MINFAR on X this Monday.
The post featured various military drills and maneuvers performed by Cuban soldiers, including agricultural tasks assigned to members of the Border Battalion located in Caimanera, Guantánamo. The video showed a Russian-made Ural truck equipped with rocket launchers, a tank, and another armed truck moving swiftly against a backdrop of epic music.
Additionally, the footage revealed part of the military training received by Cuban soldiers, their camp, and a banana plantation where one soldier was seen weeding. These images painted a less-than-ideal picture of the "combat vanguard" of the Cuban Armed Forces, showcasing outdated and nearly obsolete military equipment, as well as poorly dressed soldiers who could barely form a proper battalion.
Remembering Ramón López Peña
The intent behind MINFAR's untimely remembrance of Ramón López Peña, the first Cuban soldier killed by gunfire from U.S. marines at the Guantánamo Naval Base, remains unclear. The incident, which occurred at dusk on July 19, 1964, took the life of the 18-year-old native of Puerto Padre. López Peña, the eldest of eleven siblings, was the son of farmers Andrés López and Eunomia Peña Pérez, who donned a militia uniform upon hearing the tragic news, as recounted by the official encyclopedia Ecured. The text shared by MINFAR in their tweet is actually taken from the final paragraph of the young soldier's profile.
Amid a geopolitical whirlwind due to its alliance with Vladimir Putin's Russia, the Cuban regime continues to demonstrate its loyalty to the Kremlin. Diplomatic statements, facilitation of Cuban mercenaries for the Russian army, opening Cuban ports to Russian Navy ships, and ongoing displays of political and military cooperation highlight the relationship between Miguel Díaz-Canel's government and its Russian counterpart.
Following the arrival of a Russian naval fleet, including a battleship, a nuclear submarine, and two support ships in Havana, the United States sent the nuclear submarine USS Helena to the Guantánamo Naval Base on June 14. It's unclear whether the USS Helena remains in Guantánamo Bay or departed after the Russian fleet left the Cuban capital's port. Regardless, MINFAR has seized the opportunity to display its combat readiness, albeit rather poorly.
The Cuban Armed Forces pride themselves on studying Sun Tzu. If the Chinese military strategist, author of The Art of War, stated that "the best war won is the one not fought with weapons," Cuban soldiers have adapted this philosophy to their bravado and testosterone levels. They proudly acknowledge that it was "standard" for soldiers in the Border Battalion to stand firm and calm in the face of the enemy and their projectiles.
In February, a Russian television report showcased the training received by the FAR's special brigades, known as "black wasps." "Few have seen them, but many have heard of them; in this edition, we'll talk about one of the most secretive and lesser-known special forces in the world: the special mobile brigade of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba," the Russian TV channel stated on social media. According to the reporter, the "black wasps" are capable of carrying out "sabotage acts on enemy territory."
This emphasis on the Cuban military's capabilities once again highlights Russia's interest in showcasing its alliance with the forces led by Minister Álvaro López Miera amid the escalating conflict with Western powers over the invasion of Ukraine. Just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba continues to strengthen its military cooperation with Russia while tensions rise between the two global powers engaged in the Ukrainian war. The Cuban regime also conspicuously collaborates with its ally, Belarus, led by autocrat Alexander Lukashenko.
Cuban Military's Social Media Display: Key Questions Answered
In light of Cuba's recent social media showcase of its military might, several questions arise regarding the intentions and implications of such a display. Here are some key questions and answers to provide more insight.
Why did Cuba choose to showcase its military on social media?
Cuba's display aims to project strength and readiness, possibly to reassure its allies and deter adversaries amid geopolitical tensions, especially with the increasing cooperation with Russia.
What was highlighted in the military video?
The video showcased military drills, maneuvers, and agricultural tasks performed by soldiers, along with outdated military equipment and training routines.
Who was Ramón López Peña?
Ramón López Peña was the first Cuban soldier killed by gunfire from U.S. marines at the Guantánamo Naval Base in 1964, and he is now remembered as a symbol of the Cuban military's vanguard.
How does the display reflect Cuba's relationship with Russia?
The display underscores the deepening military cooperation between Cuba and Russia, highlighting strategic alliances and mutual support amid global geopolitical tensions.