While Cuban citizens continue to grapple with power outages, food shortages, and an unprecedented economic crisis, the government in Havana is reverting to its familiar narrative of an external enemy and "imminent war."
In a broadcast from Canal Caribe, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel was seen overseeing a military exercise in Havana's Cerro municipality. This activity was part of the National Defense Day operations, described as preparation for "full combat readiness" in the face of a potential enemy attack.
State television reported that the president visited the Armed Zone Defense Council in the Martí district, where he reviewed strategies and exercises carried out by militias, production and defense brigades, and special groups dedicated to safeguarding one of the capital's most densely populated areas.
During the tour, Maylín Alberti Arozarena, the head of the Cerro Municipal Defense Council, made remarks that stood out for their overtly alarmist tone.
"We are preparing in Cerro because there is a high likelihood that this could become an invasion zone, one of attrition, limited strikes, and artillery confrontations," she stated.
Arozarena emphasized the strategic importance of the area due to its proximity to the Boyeros municipality and the Boyeros Avenue, seen as a crucial access route to Havana. Within this framework, she justified the military exercise as part of the "defense plan" against any aggression scenario.
However, her comments became especially concerning when she highlighted the need to arm the population.
"It is vital for us to conduct these preparation exercises so that the people can... have a weapon to fight and defend what is most sacred, which is the defense of the homeland," she declared.
The report also highlighted that Cerro is home to 53 companies that, according to official rhetoric, are tasked with ensuring productive continuity "in wartime" to maintain materials and sustain what they term "the vitality of the population and soldiers."
The footage showed brigade training, including assembly and disassembly drills and infantry weapon shooting exercises, reinforcing the regime's long-standing narrative of perpetual confrontation.
Understanding the Military Preparations in Cerro
Why is the Cerro municipality considered a potential invasion zone?
The Cerro area is seen as strategically important due to its proximity to the Boyeros municipality and Boyeros Avenue, which is considered a key entry point to Havana. This makes it a target for hypothetical military scenarios.
What role do the 53 companies in Cerro play in the defense strategy?
These companies are expected to ensure the continuity of production during wartime, providing essential materials to support both the civilian population and military personnel, thereby maintaining societal and military functions.