Cuba has announced preparations to declare a “state of war” in response to escalating tensions with the United States, particularly following the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Cuban National Defense Council disclosed this decision on Sunday, outlining plans to implement a nationwide state of war aimed at countering perceived threats from the Trump administration.
The move reflects a strategy reminiscent of the 1980s under former leader Fidel Castro, when the island faced significant challenges during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The state media reported that the proposed measures are grounded in the concept of a “war of all the people,” which emphasizes civilian participation in national defense. However, specific details regarding the execution of this policy have yet to be released.
In light of the US government’s actions, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserting that Venezuela’s government is on the brink of collapse and announcing the cessation of Venezuelan oil imports, Cuba has intensified its military readiness. The Cuban armed forces have been actively training civilians across the nation in combat techniques and weapon handling as part of their defense strategy.
Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has publicly criticized US policies and aggression, often appearing in military attire. In the wake of Maduro’s arrest, he has ramped up anti-imperialist rhetoric, pledging to defend the nation’s sovereignty. During a recent public funeral for 32 Cuban guards killed in the Caracas incident, Díaz-Canel declared, “homeland or death, we will prevail,” reinforcing the commitment to the nation’s military doctrine.
The Cuban military has issued statements emphasizing their readiness to “defend the homeland, the revolution, and socialism in any circumstance and condition, even death if necessary.” This declaration underscores the island’s determination to resist external pressures and threats, particularly from the United States.
Cuba is currently grappling with one of its most severe economic crises since the 1959 Revolution. The loss of its ally, Venezuela, coupled with intensified US embargoes and sanctions, has created a precarious situation for the nation. In recent months, the Trump administration has escalated its crackdown on the Cuban regime, labeling it a state sponsor of terrorism and restricting supplies of fuel and medical assistance.
As tensions rise, Cuba’s leadership remains resolute in its stance against US policies, signaling that the island will not back down in the face of adversity. The situation continues to evolve, and the implications of these developments will likely affect regional dynamics and US-Cuba relations in the future.
