In the early hours today, a heavy police presence encircled the El Fanguito neighborhood in El Vedado, Havana, as residents endured yet another blackout, according to reports received by La Tijera News.
The operation allegedly involved eight police patrol cars and over 30 female officers from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), poised to take action against the community members, particularly the women who led the most recent protest.
Authorities reportedly blocked access to Calle 23, seemingly to prevent public dissatisfaction from escalating into a traffic standstill on this major thoroughfare in El Vedado. Additionally, officials from both the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the municipal government were noted on the scene.
Opposition activist José Daniel Ferrer García, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), highlighted on social media that a young woman was allegedly assaulted during the operation. He stated, "Reports of a young woman being beaten in El Fanguito. Mothers with their children in the streets. Numerous police and male enforcers present."
At the time of publication, Cuban authorities had not commented on the operation or the alleged assaults.
Recent History of Unrest
El Fanguito is no stranger to unrest. On the night of July 29, residents blocked Avenida 23 after enduring more than 48 hours without electricity, water, or gas.
The regime restored power within hours, but the repressive response followed the next day: State Security detained two mothers linked to the protest, including María Yilian Franco Díaz, who was taken to the Zapata and C police station along with her four-year-old son.
Following that July protest, a State Security officer was caught on video threatening residents, exemplifying the regime's systematic repression of public dissent.
Continuing Protests Amid a Deteriorating Electric Grid
This Monday's incident marks the second mobilization in El Fanguito in under a month, amid a wave of protests over blackouts sweeping across Cuba in 2026. A cacerolazo was also reported early this morning on Calle N in El Vedado after more than 24 hours without power in that area.
The electrical crisis has reached unprecedented levels: the National Electric System completely collapsed seven times in 2026, including on August 2 and 3. For Monday, the Electric Union forecasted a maximum disruption of 2,410 MW, with only 910 MW of available generation capacity against a demand of 3,300 MW.
The most severe prior protest wave occurred on March 14 in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, where demonstrators set fire to the local PCC headquarters' furniture during an outage protest, with reports of a young man being shot during clashes with security forces.
La Tijera News noted that the situation in El Fanguito is ongoing, with potential updates as more information becomes available from the neighborhood.
Key Questions About El Fanguito and Recent Protests in Cuba
What triggered the police operation in El Fanguito?
The police operation was triggered by another blackout in El Fanguito, prompting residents to protest, which led authorities to deploy a significant police presence to prevent further unrest.
How severe is the current electrical crisis in Cuba?
The electrical crisis in Cuba has reached critical levels, with the National Electric System collapsing multiple times in 2026, causing widespread blackouts and public discontent.
Why is El Fanguito a focal point for protests?
El Fanguito has become a focal point for protests due to repeated blackouts and inadequate living conditions, leading residents to voice their frustrations and demand change.