Cuba's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, issued a stark warning to the United States via Russia's state news agency, TASS, on Monday. He stated that Havana is taking the possibility of a U.S. military operation against the island "very seriously" and is gearing up to face such a threat.
In the interview with TASS, Soberón emphasized the need for Cuba to be "prepared for any scenario, including a military one," linking this readiness to statements by senior U.S. officials about potential actions to "take, bomb, or destroy Cuba."
The diplomat elaborated that every Friday in Cuba is dedicated to defense activities aimed at preparing the population for potential aggression and safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
These statements were made shortly after the Moncada Strategic Exercise 2026, conducted on November 4 and 5. This event involved the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, militias, reservists, and civilian structures, all operating under the "War of All the People" doctrine.
During the exercises, General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff, warned that Cuba would defend itself "house by house, neighborhood by neighborhood, zone by zone."
The Cuban government had declared 2026 as the "Year of Defense Preparation," and the Moncada exercise represented the largest military mobilization of the year, with troops deployed across various provinces.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Soberón assured that Cuba does not seek armed conflict. Havana remains open to dialogue with Washington, provided it is based on mutual respect and non-interference.
He also dismissed the notion that Cuba's cooperation with Russia and other nations poses a threat to the United States, asserting that these partnerships aim for mutual benefits and the island's economic development.
Regarding foreign military presence, Soberón stated that "there are no other foreign military installations besides the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo," which exists "against the will" of the Cuban people.
The diplomat highlighted that over the past ten months, Cuba has engaged in discussions with representatives from the U.S. State Department, the FBI, the CIA, and the U.S. Southern Command, despite the ongoing tensions between the two governments.
This is not Soberón's first use of TASS to communicate such messages. In May, he gave an interview to the same agency, invoking the right to self-defense in the face of potential U.S. military aggression.
Understanding Cuba's Defense Strategy
Why is Cuba preparing for a possible U.S. military operation?
Cuba is preparing for potential military conflict due to statements from U.S. officials suggesting possible hostile actions against the island. The Cuban government is taking these threats seriously and aims to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
What is the Moncada Strategic Exercise?
The Moncada Strategic Exercise is a major military drill conducted in Cuba to enhance the nation's defense capabilities. It involves various military and civilian entities operating under a doctrine aimed at mobilizing the entire population for defense.
What are Cuba's views on foreign military presence?
Cuba asserts that there are no foreign military installations on the island except for the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo, which is unwanted by the Cuban people. Cuba continues to reject any foreign military presence that infringes upon its sovereignty.