Mariela Castro, daughter of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, issued a bold challenge to Washington during a protest event held in Havana on Friday.
"They said they were coming today, we're ready for them," Mariela declared, addressing rumors of a possible U.S. military operation to apprehend her father, following his formal indictment by the Department of Justice.
The statement came just two days after the U.S. Department of Justice formally charged Raúl Castro in connection to the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft on February 24, 1996, during his tenure as Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
"Cubans are ready for battle. No one is going to abduct him. I can assure you of that. Not him, not anyone," Mariela Castro stated emphatically to the press at the conclusion of the event.
A member of parliament and director of the National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), Mariela assured that her family, like all Cuban families, is "awaiting orders on where we need to be, regardless of the circumstances."
Regarding her father’s mood, who did not appear at the event, she mentioned he is "very calm, observing and smiling," and reminded that he has always said, "No one takes me alive. They'll find me fighting."
"We are prepared to combat imperialism," she added, describing Cuba as "a small, impoverished country, but with combat experience against U.S.-led imperialism."
Also present at the event were her brother Alejandro Castro Espín — a high-ranking military official involved in past negotiations with the U.S. — and the former president's grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who has served as a liaison in current discussions with Washington.
Understanding Mariela Castro's Challenge to the U.S.
Why did Mariela Castro issue a challenge to the United States?
Mariela Castro issued the challenge in response to rumors of a U.S. military operation aimed at capturing her father, Raúl Castro, following his indictment by the Department of Justice.
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro was formally charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for his involvement in the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft in 1996, which led to the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
How did Mariela Castro describe Cuba’s stance?
Mariela Castro emphasized that Cuba is ready to combat what she termed as "imperialism," highlighting the country's experience in resisting U.S.-led imperialism despite being small and impoverished.