The Cuban Central Army has openly endorsed the statements made by Miguel Díaz-Canel to the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo on Tuesday. In a bold move, the military declared that the Armed Forces "embrace these statements as their own," sending a clear message of defiance towards Washington.
In a Facebook post, military leaders shared an official image from the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), featuring a photograph of the leader alongside the phrase: "We stand firm, fighting without surrender."
The Central Army emphasized, "The stance taken by comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez is not an isolated gesture: it reaffirms that Cuba does not negotiate its dignity or self-determination."
The statement further highlights that "the resilience of our people is the backbone that upholds our nation against imperial pressures," concluding with several political slogans.
This military support follows Díaz-Canel's interview with journalist Mônica Bergamo, published on August 23 by Folha under the headline "U.S. Strangles Cuba, But We Are Standing."
A particularly striking moment in the conversation occurred when Díaz-Canel was asked if he feared facing the same fate as Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by U.S. forces on January 3.
"From this U.S. administration, anything is possible (...). If my time comes, it comes. But it will not be with weakness and cowardice. It will be fighting," Díaz-Canel responded.
During the operation that led to Maduro's capture, 32 Cuban soldiers, who were part of his security detail in Caracas, lost their lives. Havana acknowledged the deaths the following day and declared two days of national mourning.
In the interview, Díaz-Canel also refuted claims that Cuba is on the brink of collapse, despite admitting the severe energy, oil, and medication crisis facing the island.
"There are blackouts, but no blackout has extinguished the hope of the Cuban people," he stated. He also insisted that millions of Cubans would sacrifice their lives for the system: "If 32 gave their lives in Venezuela, what wouldn't millions of Cubans do to defend the revolution?"
The Central Army's statement adds to the military rhetoric that Cuban authorities have intensified since Maduro's capture. In June, the military leadership rallied around Díaz-Canel during the 65th anniversary of the Western Army.
Shortly afterward, the Central Army issued a warning to the "enemy": "Here, preparation is daily, discipline is total, and victory is assured."
This new show of military unity comes as Cuba faces a profound crisis. The electric generation deficit surpassed 2,411 MW on August 5, while the IX Report from the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights indicates that 94% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, and 95% of those surveyed disapprove of the government's economic management.
Understanding the Current Cuban Military Stance
What is the Cuban Central Army's stance on Díaz-Canel's interview?
The Cuban Central Army has publicly supported Díaz-Canel's statements made to the Brazilian newspaper, viewing them as their own and emphasizing Cuba's resolve against negotiating its dignity and self-determination.
How did Díaz-Canel respond to concerns about Cuba's collapse?
Díaz-Canel denied that Cuba is on the verge of collapse, acknowledging the severe crisis but asserting that no blackout has extinguished the hope of the Cuban people.
What significant event followed Díaz-Canel's interview?
Following Díaz-Canel's interview, the Central Army expressed strong military unity, continuing a trend of increased military rhetoric from Cuban authorities.