The head of the Municipal Defense Council in Campechuela, Yoandris Ramos Gutiérrez, called on Saturday for top officials of local organizations and institutions to strengthen the coastal municipality's defense strategy in the eastern province of Granma, Cuba.
During the meeting, Ramos Gutiérrez emphasized the need to prioritize defense activities and raise the "risk awareness" in response to what he described as the "increasing hostility of the United States government towards Cuba," according to a report from the official station CMKX Radio Bayamo.
He stressed the importance of the public understanding clearly where to take shelter in the event of a limited air attack by enemy forces.
He directed the leaders of each defense zone to distribute maps, routes, and signage, as well as conduct drills to ensure families in Campechuela can react swiftly and effectively.
The meeting also included discussions on updating rosters for production and defense brigades. Ramos Gutiérrez highlighted that it is not merely about having names on a list, but about having trained, motivated, and organized people who can integrate food production with territorial military response in real time.
Another critical point of the meeting was the battle on social media. Authorities acknowledged that digital platforms are being systematically used to "spread misinformation, discourage, demobilize, and weaken the people's unity around the revolution and its leaders."
They called for enhancing the "communicative counteroffensive" and improving media literacy among the populace.
In conclusion, Ramos Gutiérrez urged attendees not to be defeated by fuel shortages or "hate memes."
This episode is part of the heightened mobilization efforts the regime has launched throughout 2026, which has been officially declared the Year of Defense Preparation.
Since January, Saturdays have been designated as days for continuous civilian military training across the nation, featuring exercises with AK-47 rifles, drones, and anti-tank mines.
The latest trigger was a statement by President Donald Trump on May 2 in Palm Beach, where he indicated, "Cuba will be ours almost immediately. Cuba is in trouble."
Days earlier, on March 28 in Miami, he had asserted, "Sometimes military force is necessary, and Cuba is next."
In response, the regime has ramped up its warlike rhetoric. Former President Raúl Castro sent letters to the Central and Eastern Armies urging them to face any enemy aggression with determination, reiterating the stance of being "ready and poised for battle."
In Granma province, the National Civil Defense Headquarters distributed a family guide for protection against military aggression, instructing families to prepare backpacks with candles, matches, three days' worth of food, and medications, and to seek shelter in "basements, semi-basements, tunnels, and ditches" during an air raid alert.
While the regime calls for war readiness, 70% of essential medicines are unavailable in state pharmacies, and one in three Cuban households is experiencing hunger, with living costs exceeding 40,000 pesos against an average salary of less than 7,000 pesos.
Understanding the Current Defense Strategy in Cuba
What is the main focus of the defense strategy in Campechuela?
The defense strategy in Campechuela focuses on preparing the community for potential enemy air attacks and enhancing the communicative response to counter misinformation on social media.
How are families in Granma province instructed to prepare for a military threat?
Families are advised to pack emergency backpacks with essentials and seek shelter in secure locations like basements, tunnels, and ditches during air raid alerts.
Why is there an increased focus on media literacy in Cuba?
There's an emphasis on media literacy to combat the spread of misinformation and strengthen public unity around the revolutionary leadership in the face of external threats.