Díaz-Canel Urges Cubans to Brace for "Nationwide Warfare"

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has called on the Cuban population to enhance military readiness and embrace the concept of "nationwide warfare" to counter alleged threats from the United States. "This year will be filled with intensive defense preparations, and we will coordinate all activities systematically," Díaz-Canel instructed.

His remarks were delivered on Wednesday at the Command Post of the Provincial Defense Council in Havana during the Strategic Exercise Bastion 2024, an annual event led by the military to gear up the country for defense.

Díaz-Canel commented, "We are facing a situation that is almost real, as we are subjected to a policy from the new U.S. government that is completely hegemonic and interventionist, treating Cuba with disdain. We have already begun to witness their initial actions against the revolution."

He was referring to Donald Trump's decision to reverse the removal of Cuba from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, one of the executive orders he signed on his first day back in the White House during this second term.

The Bastion 2024 Exercise was inaugurated by Raúl Castro, who, at 93, has taken on a more visible role in public events.

This call to prepare for "nationwide warfare" comes amidst a tragic incident in Holguín, where 13 individuals, including nine recruits, lost their lives in an ammunition depot accident. It also occurs during a severe economic and political crisis in Cuba, where disillusionment, social apathy, and lack of participation in the regime's calls are on the rise at all levels.

Díaz-Canel blames the U.S. government for the tense situation on the island, citing the increase in poverty, inflation, power outages, and food shortages. He claimed that the Trump Administration is waging an "economic war on Cuba," despite these issues having persisted and worsened over the past 60 years.