In light of escalating tensions with the United States following the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the Cuban government has declared that Saturdays will now be devoted to military, political, and ideological training for its citizens.
This announcement was made during National Defense Day activities in Las Tunas province. Authorities there noted that the exercises were directed at leadership and command organs, reserve combatants, territorial militia, and other components of the nation's defense system.
State television reported that the goal is to enhance preparation and readiness levels "in the interest of a people's war" by 2026. Brigadier General Florencio Navas Guevara, head of the Eastern Army Staff, oversaw the maneuvers in the main municipality's defense zone, which included practical territorial actions.
Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, president of the Provincial Defense Council in Las Tunas, stressed the importance of every local citizen knowing "what to do in the event of enemy aggression." He announced that, during this stage, Saturdays will become a regular opportunity for military, political, and ideological training.
This message comes amid a hardening stance from Washington towards Havana. President Donald Trump publicly stated that "there's not much more pressure to put on Cuba except to go in and destroy the place," describing the Cuban regime as "hanging by a thread" after the fall of its main regional ally.
Trump, along with key Republican figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Lindsey Graham, has directly linked the Cuban government to supporting the Maduro regime. They have even claimed that Cuban forces were involved in protecting the Venezuelan leader during the operation that led to his capture.
In this context, the Cuban government continues to emphasize an external threat narrative while the nation grapples with a profound economic and social crisis. The crisis is characterized by prolonged blackouts and shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
So far, authorities have not specified how these weekly military preparations will affect the daily lives, work, and education of Cubans or if they will impose new obligations on workers, students, or local communities.
Impact of Cuba's Military Preparations
Why has Cuba initiated military training on Saturdays?
Cuba has begun military training on Saturdays in response to what it perceives as increasing aggression from the United States, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
How will the weekly military training affect Cuban society?
As of now, Cuban authorities have not detailed how these military preparations will impact daily life, including work, education, and community activities.
What is the objective of Cuba's new military training initiative?
The initiative aims to increase the population's readiness and preparation levels, aligning with the concept of a "people's war" by the year 2026.