The Defense Council in Granma province reviewed the extensive distribution of a "Family Protection Guide Against Military Aggression" this Tuesday. This guide, created by Cuba's Civil Defense, was the focus of a meeting led by Yudelkis Ortiz, the first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party in Granma.
Ortiz shared the outcomes of the Provincial Defense Council meeting on Facebook, discussing strategies to disseminate the guide across the province. The plan involves leveraging the "My Neighborhood for the Nation" popular movement, the Community Youth Network, and gatherings with militants in residential, work, and educational settings.
"The most effective way to avoid war is by preparing for it. This concept is being implemented in Granma," Ortiz stated, defending the initiative by citing what the regime describes as direct threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Civil Defense document carries the slogan "Protect, Resist, Survive, and Overcome," outlining the steps individuals and families should take in case of a military attack.
Ortiz was clear in her post: "Given the current adverse context of war threats from the U.S. President towards our country, it is crucial to prepare defense zones to ensure both defense and civilian protection; every resident of Granma should know their role in case of aggression."
This campaign is part of a sustained rhetorical escalation by the regime since the start of the year. The Havana government declared 2026 as the "Year of Defense Preparation" and has mandated Saturdays as permanent military training days for civilians since January 11.
The latest spark came from a declaration by Trump at a Palm Beach event in early May, claiming that Cuba would be overtaken "almost immediately."
Miguel Díaz-Canel responded on April 28, stating that Trump "escalates his military aggression threats against Cuba to a dangerous and unprecedented level" and warned, "If there is a military attack, we will counter, fight, and defend ourselves."
The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and the signing of Executive Order 14380 — which labeled the Cuban government as an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. security — have fueled the regime's militaristic rhetoric.
In this scenario, Raúl Castro also sent a significant letter to Eastern Army officers in April amidst plans for a potential "State of War."
Yudelkis Ortiz, a controversial figure in Granma, was appointed the first secretary of the provincial PCC in November 2023 following the dismissal of her predecessor in an extraordinary session.
In March 2025, Ortiz attempted to calm a massive protest in Río Cauto triggered by power outages, and in November of that year, she described Hurricane Melissa as "an opportunity to show that the Revolution is still alive."
Just two days before leading the Defense Council meeting, Ortiz participated in a spiritual cordon on Monday to "ward off" external threats against Cuba, an event that drew significant attention.
"A Revolution is valuable to the extent it can defend itself, and knowing what to do is part of this concept," Ortiz concluded in her post, summarizing the doctrine through which the regime seeks to mobilize the civilian populace against a conflict that, thus far, remains within its own narrative.
Key Questions about Cuban Defense Preparations
What is the purpose of the "Family Protection Guide Against Military Aggression" in Cuba?
The guide aims to instruct Cuban families on measures to take in case of a military attack, as part of the regime's efforts to prepare for potential conflicts.
How has the Cuban government responded to perceived threats from the United States?
Cuban leaders have increased military training for civilians, declared 2026 as the "Year of Defense Preparation," and have been actively distributing a defense guide to the public.
What actions have been taken by Yudelkis Ortiz in response to the current political climate?
Yudelkis Ortiz has been involved in distributing the defense guide, calming protests, and participating in spiritual activities to address external threats.