A major in the Revolutionary Armed Forces, known on social media as Dany Rivera, posted a provocative video on his Facebook profile challenging the President of the United States on behalf of a group of young Cuban soldiers.
The video, titled "Young People of Homeland or Death. We Will Surely Win," has garnered over 17,000 views and 341 comments, mostly mocking the message and its senders.
In the clip, Rivera stands before a squad of young recruits, leading a chorus of conscripts from the Mandatory Military Service who even threaten Donald Trump with execution:
"Let it be known, Mr. President of the United States, that we are ready to fight again! If you enjoyed the atmosphere at the Bay of Pigs, try bringing your luggage next time; Cuba will send you straight to the firing squad! Ready! Aim! Fire! Fidel, Fidel, Fidel!"
Propaganda Escalation and Public Reaction
The video is part of a propaganda surge by MINFAR, which has intensified since the beginning of 2026, following increased military pressure from Washington on the island. This escalated with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's visit to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in June and his subsequent warnings from Panama in August, where he stated that the U.S. demands cooperation from Cuba "whether they like it or not."
Since then, the military ministry has consistently posted messages on social media with phrases like "war should not be provoked, but we will fight if the enemy imposes it" and "the order to ceasefire will never be given," rhetoric that has been met with waves of sarcasm by Cubans online.
Public Criticism and Sarcasm
According to a Facebook post by user Tania Guevara, the identity of the officer leading the propaganda initiative matches the name he uses on social media. "Major Dany Rivera is an example for us young revolutionaries," Guevara stated in May 2025, referring to the officer's participation in the 12th Congress of the Union of Young Communists.
The comments on Major Rivera's video were overwhelmingly critical. "If they see the first American plane flying, they'll line up for the bathroom," one user wrote. Another was more blunt: "Put a ship on the beach and not one will remain." A third suggested, "Start with the Guantanamo Naval Base."
Some pointed to the soldiers' own hunger-stricken situation. "It's dangerous to shout like that on an empty stomach," one quipped, while another added, "I'm sure they were given bread with oil and sugar water to record that nonsense. Take note of their faces. In a few years, we'll see them lining up at Burger King."
The most common question in the thread was whether anyone understood what was being said, as the officer's speech was nearly unintelligible. "What language are they speaking?" one user asked. Another summed up the general sentiment: "Imagine being an American Delta Force soldier arriving at war with Cuba and encountering this."
Military Fantasies and Reality Check
Major Rivera's video isn't an isolated incident. Since January 2026, MINFAR has released a series of military recordings that have drawn widespread ridicule: Soviet Mi-8 helicopters in supposed tactical insertions, exercises involving mules and ox carts in Villa Clara, and cadets in what users have dubbed "military fantasies."
A training video published in late May amassed over 92,500 views, accompanied by hundreds of ironic comments.
The disconnect between the regime's war rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by the island—such as power outages lasting days, food shortages, and mass exodus—is not lost on Cubans. "Look, stop the crap; none of them have water, food, or electricity in their homes," one user summarized in the video's comment thread.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces are estimated to consist of around 45,000 to 50,000 active military personnel, equipped with outdated Soviet gear and a doctrine focused solely on territorial defense, far from the offensive capability suggested by the regime's propaganda.
Understanding Cuban Military Propaganda
What was the purpose of the video by Major Dany Rivera?
The video aimed to challenge the U.S. President and demonstrate Cuba's readiness to defend itself, as part of a larger propaganda effort by the Cuban military.
How did the public react to the video?
The public largely mocked and criticized the video, with many comments highlighting the disconnect between the propaganda and the actual conditions in Cuba.
What does the Cuban military's current capability look like?
The Cuban military is primarily focused on territorial defense with outdated equipment, lacking the offensive capability suggested by its propaganda.