The Military Region of Matanzas marked its Territorial Defense Day on Friday with a series of exercises, highlighted by a dramatic display where a squad of shotgun-wielding soldiers simulated a confrontation against enemy drones in a rural setting of the province.
According to TV Yumurí, the local broadcasting channel, the event commenced with the mobilization of various working groups and unfolded over several hours, featuring a range of simulated combat scenarios.
Among the maneuvers conducted were the evacuation of civilians in response to a hypothetical enemy air raid, providing first aid to the injured, and executing an ambush on enemy troops.
The combined sessions offered training on setting up anti-tank mines and placing explosives in combat zones, while local institutions and companies ensured the provision of basic services like food preparation throughout the day, as reported by the source.
Simultaneous exercises took place in four other provinces—Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, and Cienfuegos—as part of the National Defense Day, which the regime has turned into a weekly drill since declaring the year as the Year of Defense Preparation in January.
State-run Canal Caribe justified the military mobilization, citing "the threat of an enemy attack on our country makes preparedness a mandatory task."
The militaristic rhetoric has escalated following the January 3 capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces, which the regime took as a potential precursor to action against Cuba.
On June 6, President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared, "If the Fatherland is attacked, we will respond in legitimate defense. And if they attempt to invade, let there be no doubt, there will be a decisive and firm battle."
Nevertheless, the stark contrast between rhetoric and military reality is evident. According to a CNN analysis from June 24, the active personnel of the Revolutionary Armed Forces have dwindled from 235,000 to a maximum of 50,000 soldiers, with outdated Soviet equipment and MiG fighters nearly inoperative due to shortages of fuel and spare parts.
In April, Villa Clara showcased maneuvers involving mules and ox carts, which were widely ridiculed on social media, capturing the true state of Cuba's military apparatus.
The events on Saturday came three days after Washington announced new sanctions against Cuban entities as part of the Trump administration's maximum pressure policy, amid an unprecedented economic crisis.
The Cuban Observatory of Conflicts recorded 1,311 protests across Cuba in May, primarily driven by power outages, while the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) forecasts a 6.5% contraction in Cuba's GDP this year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Defense Day
What was the highlight of the Defense Day in Matanzas?
The standout event was a mock battle where a squad of shotgun-armed troops engaged with enemy drones in a rural area of Matanzas.
How did the Cuban government justify the military exercises?
The exercises were justified by the state-run Canal Caribe as necessary due to the perceived threat of an enemy attack on Cuba, making preparedness a compulsory task.
What are the current challenges faced by Cuba's military forces?
Cuba's military faces significant challenges, including a reduction in active personnel and outdated Soviet equipment, coupled with a lack of fuel and spare parts for their MiG fighters.