Early Saturday morning, residents of Camagüey were startled by the persistent sound of helicopters flying above the city. Multiple witnesses from various areas confirmed hearing these aircrafts "constantly," as reported by journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.
Meanwhile, in the capital city of Havana, Cubanet captured footage of a military convoy speeding through the streets, heavily armed and moving with urgency.
This heightened military activity comes amid rising regional tensions, exacerbated by recent statements from the United States regarding Cuba.
During a press conference following a U.S. strike on Venezuela, President Donald Trump labeled Cuba as a "failed nation." He suggested that the issue of Cuba would be addressed in the future, responding to a query about his message to the island nation.
In his remarks, Trump criticized the Cuban system, stating it "hasn't been very good for Cuba." He emphasized that the Cuban people have endured suffering for many years and expressed Washington's desire to "help the people in Cuba" as well as "support those who were forced to leave Cuba" and now reside in the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further elaborated on these comments, urging people to take the president's words "seriously."
Rubio described Cuba as "a disaster" and claimed its economy is in "total collapse." He also made a connection between Cuba and the protection of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, alleging that "all the guards" and "the entire espionage agency" protecting Maduro are "filled with Cubans," concluding with a warning.
"If I were living in Havana and part of the government, I would be at least a little concerned," Rubio cautioned.
Understanding the Escalating Tensions Between the U.S. and Cuba
Why are there helicopters and military convoys in Cuba?
The presence of helicopters and military convoys in Cuba is attributed to escalating tensions with the United States, following critical remarks from U.S. leaders regarding the Cuban government.
What did President Trump say about Cuba?
President Trump described Cuba as a "failed nation" and criticized its political system, expressing a desire to assist both the Cuban people and exiled Cubans living in the U.S.
How did Marco Rubio contribute to the U.S. stance on Cuba?
Marco Rubio expanded on President Trump's comments by calling Cuba "a disaster" and claiming its economy is in "total collapse," while also linking Cuba to the protection of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.