Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel conducted an inspection on Friday at the Latin American Defense Zone in Havana's Cerro municipality. The purpose of the visit was to assess the special strategies of what is termed the "War of the Whole People," coinciding with National Defense Day.
The gathering, held at the Latin American Stadium, brought together the regime's top military and political figures: General Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Armed Forces; General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Minister of the Interior; Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly; General Ernest Feijóo Eiró, head of the Western Army; and Liván Izquierdo Alonso, President of the Provincial Defense Council of Havana. This was reported by the official website of the Cuban Presidency on Sunday.
During the event, Ramón Rivero Pérez, President of the Latin American Defense Zone, outlined to Díaz-Canel the territorial strategy for peacetime and plans to face exceptional situations in an area that encompasses over 19,300 residents.
Key points included safeguarding economic targets, the operation of Production and Defense Brigades, maintaining water supply, food production in local gardens, plots, and organoponics, and support for 150 individuals in the so-called transit community and over 100 beneficiaries of the Family Assistance System, according to the source.
Additionally, it was highlighted that the Community Youth Network, which integrates defense, production, and ideological training activities, is already active in this part of Cerro. In the coming days, a Grandparents' House accommodating nearly 60 people is expected to open, along with the launch of two community solar power generating stations.
As the meeting concluded, Díaz-Canel emphasized the necessity for all Working Groups in each Defense Zone to be ready to implement ongoing economic and social reforms, given their direct impact on defense readiness plans.
Following the Cerro meeting, Rivero reiterated to reporters the regime's oft-repeated motto during inspections: "In these challenging times, our foremost duty is to defend our Homeland and safeguard human lives above all."
Sunday's inspection is the latest in a series of nearly weekly military tours by Díaz-Canel since January, when the regime declared the Year of Preparation for Defense.
In previous weeks, Díaz-Canel visited the Wajay Defense Zone in Boyeros on July 5th; the Carmelo Zone in El Vedado on June 20th; and the Santa Fe Zone in Playa on June 12th.
The regime cites these mobilizations as a response to threats from Donald Trump's administration, exacerbated following the January capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Understanding Cuba's Defense Strategies
What is the "War of the Whole People" in Cuba?
The "War of the Whole People" is a military doctrine in Cuba that outlines strategies for national defense, involving all sectors of society in preparedness and response to potential threats.
Why is Díaz-Canel conducting frequent military inspections?
Díaz-Canel's frequent military inspections are part of the regime's strategy to ensure readiness and mobilization in response to perceived external threats, particularly from the United States.