Cuban authorities carried out a police operation in Santiago de Cuba, detaining several individuals allegedly involved in the looting of a meat truck. This incident occurred just a day earlier on Martí Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city.
Social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada confirmed the news on Tuesday. He reported on social media that officers from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) alongside special forces, known as the black berets, are patrolling the area. They are searching for individuals captured in videos shared online who are believed to have participated in the incident.
"Strong police and black beret operation at Martí Avenue and San Fermín. Police are searching for people identified in the meat truck videos. Several have already been detained," Mayeta posted.
The chaotic scene unfolded on Monday when dozens of residents chased after a truck carrying boxes of meat, which lost part of its load. What initially appeared to be an accident quickly escalated into a mass looting event, with people scrambling for the packages amidst panic and fear of Hurricane Melissa—a powerful storm threatening the country's eastern region.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as spiraling out of control within seconds. "There were even stabbings. People are out of control, hungry, and scared of the hurricane," a local resident remarked to the communicator.
Authorities are now reviewing videos captured by witnesses to identify and apprehend those involved in the looting.
This operation is set against the backdrop of a severe food and social crisis in Santiago de Cuba. The scarcity of food, frequent blackouts, and the looming threat of Melissa's impact have left the population in a state of anxiety and despair.
Summing up the daily struggle faced by many Cubans, an elderly woman quoted by the reporter stated, "This isn't theft; it's hunger."
Understanding the Santiago de Cuba Crisis
What triggered the looting incident in Santiago de Cuba?
The looting was triggered when a truck carrying meat lost part of its load, leading to a chaotic scene where desperate residents scrambled to collect the fallen packages.
How are authorities responding to the looting incident?
Authorities are conducting a police operation to track down and detain individuals involved, using video footage shared online to identify participants.
What are the broader implications of this incident?
The incident highlights the severe food scarcity and social unrest in Santiago de Cuba, exacerbated by ongoing power outages and the threat of Hurricane Melissa.