Author and physician César Reynel Aguilera suggests that drones from the United States could supply food and medicine to protesters in Cuba. He believes that this initiative is feasible due to modern technological advancements, with devices capable of precise operations and connectivity to networks like Starlink—unlike past methods where aerial drops often missed their targets.
During a live interview with CiberCuba, Reynel discussed the March 13 protests in Morón, describing them as a significant milestone in Cuba's protest history. He also assessed the potential ramifications these events could have on negotiations between the Trump Administration and Havana's regime.
Living in Montreal since 1995 and author of "El Soviet Caribeño: La otra historia de la Revolución Cubana" (Penguin Random House, 2018), Reynel highlighted the unprecedented nature of the Morón protests. Hundreds of locals stormed the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba, taking out furniture, documents, and symbols, and setting them ablaze in the street. "For the first time, they attacked a Communist Party headquarters, identifying it as the enemy," he stated.
The Political Impact of Morón's Protests
Reynel pointed out that the protests erupted following the regime's public acknowledgment of talks with Washington, after weeks of denial. "The protests in Morón happened the day after the negotiations were announced. The regime denied it with the fervor of liars," he noted. On March 14, Díaz-Canel responded with a message on X, warning, "Vandalism and violence will not go unpunished."
Reynel interpreted this response as more cautious compared to Díaz-Canel's previous stance after the July 11, 2021 protests. He attributes this shift to the trauma caused by the January 3, 2026 operation, when U.S. special forces extracted Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores from Venezuela without any casualties.
"The Americans went in, grabbed Cilia by the hair and Maduro by the neck, loaded them onto a helicopter, and left without any losses," Reynel described. "The Castro regime must now embrace a more cautious approach, avoiding calls for violence, civilian harm, or mass incarcerations."
Negotiations and Future Protests
Regarding the talks between Raúl Guillermo Castro Espín—Raúl Castro's grandson, known as "the Crab"—and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Reynel was unequivocal: these are not about economic openness but a power transition. Reports indicate Rubio is negotiating Cuba's transition directly with this regime representative. "The Castro regime has nothing left to offer the United States. Absolutely nothing," he asserted.
Reynel also emphasized the political nature of the chants in Morón, where protesters shouted "Freedom!" and "Homeland and Life" instead of demanding electricity or food. Witnesses reported that Morón police fled amidst a barrage of stones from the demonstrators. "No one is asking for the lights to be turned on or for meat on the shelf. Everyone is demanding freedom because everyone in Cuba now realizes that regime change is the solution," he concluded.
The Path to Rebuilding Cuba
Describing Cuba's decline using scientific terminology, Reynel stated, "What's happening in Cuba is an apoptotic process, a programmed social death." He warned that rebuilding will require extended international oversight due to the "anthropological damage" endured. "Cubans lack elements of democratic tradition and civilized understanding. We are a deeply damaged people," he acknowledged.
Last Tuesday, Trump announced that the Cuban regime is in talks with Marco Rubio and that "something will happen very soon." A day earlier, he had warned of a possible agreement or the necessity to "do what we have to do," later conditioning any agreement on Díaz-Canel's departure. Aguilera concluded by summarizing his analysis: "I believe Morón's protest will spark a wave of demonstrations in Cuba. It could mark the beginning of something new, especially if the Trump administration is ready to seize the opportunity."
U.S. Drones and Protests in Cuba: Key Insights
How could U.S. drones supply protesters in Cuba?
Advancements in drone technology, including precision operations and connectivity to networks like Starlink, could enable U.S. drones to deliver supplies directly to protesters in Cuba.
What is the significance of the Morón protests?
The Morón protests are significant as they represent a new phase in Cuba's protest history, with demonstrators directly targeting a Communist Party headquarters and demanding freedom over basic needs.
What are the potential outcomes of the U.S.-Cuba negotiations?
The negotiations, led by Marco Rubio, are focused on a transition of power in Cuba, rather than economic openness, as the Castro regime has little left to offer the U.S.