Raúl Castro has penned a letter to the fighters of the Border Brigade, the Revolutionary Armed Forces unit responsible for guarding the perimeter surrounding the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo. The letter, released this Thursday by the Communist Party of Cuba on social media, marks the 65th anniversary of this military unit's establishment.
This communication marks the third public letter from the 95-year-old general in just four days. On November 8, he congratulated the Military Counterintelligence on their 64th anniversary, and on November 11, he sent a birthday message to Daniel Ortega. These letters, distributed by third parties, highlight his continued absence from public life.
In his message, Castro reiterates the regime's stance on the naval base: "You have the supreme honor of defending our national sovereignty at the boundary with the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo, which occupies part of our national territory against the will of the Cuban people."
The letter concludes with a blend of revolutionary rhetoric and acknowledgment of the current crisis: "With steadfast resolve and the belief that, alongside our people, amidst the challenging circumstances facing our nation, we will achieve VICTORY."
Miguel Díaz-Canel also joined in the congratulations with a message on X: "We join the Army General's congratulations to the Border Brigade on its 65th anniversary. A heartfelt embrace and our utmost recognition to those safeguarding national sovereignty at the border with the illegal U.S. naval base in Guantánamo." His words reaffirmed support for the military unit and echoed Cuba's official stance on the U.S. installation.
However, the official message leaves out the fact that many of the soldiers stationed on this front line are teenagers and young men fulfilling their mandatory military service. The Cuban Observatory for Citizen Audit recorded at least 97 recruit deaths between 2001 and 2026, with an average age of 18.7 years; at least seven of the deceased were under 18.
The letter's timing coincides with unusual military activity around Guantánamo. On November 5 and 6, Cuba conducted a strategic exercise named "Moncada 2026," involving the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the MININT, militias, and reservists. Prior to this, on November 3, the U.S. naval base carried out an anti-drone exercise, and on November 6, the combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul visited the base. Additionally, a U.S. Navy surveillance drone made flights off Cuba's coast on Tuesday.
The Border Brigade was established on November 9, 1961, at the Vilorio estate in the Niceto Pérez municipality, Guantánamo, and is tasked with guarding a strip spanning roughly 117 square kilometers.
Meanwhile, Castro has been largely absent from public events for months. He did not attend the IX Congress of the PCC in March nor the central act of July 26—a first in at least three decades for that occasion. In April, Díaz-Canel described him as "retired for health reasons" and "frail" due to his age. Castro's last verified public appearance was on September 6, seated in the front row at a MININT event, without delivering a speech.
These letters have become the sole visible channel for a leader whom the regime aims to present as active, while young Cubans aged 17 and 18 stand guard at the naval base's edge, upholding a victory he proclaims from Havana.
Understanding the Situation at Guantánamo's Border
What is the significance of the Border Brigade in Guantánamo?
The Border Brigade is a crucial military unit responsible for safeguarding Cuban sovereignty on the boundary with the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo. Established in 1961, it plays a symbolic role in the ongoing political tensions between Cuba and the United States.
Why are teenagers and young men stationed at the border?
Mandatory military service in Cuba requires young men, starting at age 17, to serve in the armed forces. Many stationed at the border with Guantánamo are fulfilling this obligation.
How has Raúl Castro communicated with the public recently?
Raúl Castro has largely communicated through letters, which are shared publicly by third parties. This method contrasts with his physical absence from public life.