Cuba Reviews War Preparedness Amid Rising Tensions with the US

HAVANA: Cuba’s National Defence Committee held a high-level meeting to assess the country’s war preparedness, amid growing concerns over potential US military action. The meeting, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, comes at a time of heightened tensions following a US operation in Venezuela earlier this month that targeted former President Nicolás Maduro.

Context: Venezuela Incident Escalates Tensions

On 3 January, US forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela, capturing Maduro and his wife. Cuban military officers present in Venezuela reportedly clashed with the US forces, resulting in the deaths of 32 Cuban personnel, including some assigned to Maduro’s security detail. The incident has raised fears in Cuba that the island nation could be the next target of US action.

President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Cuba, threatening the cessation of oil and financial flows from Venezuela. In response, Díaz-Canel has strongly rejected these threats, affirming that Cuba will not succumb to external pressure.

Purpose of the Defence Committee Meeting

According to Cuban state media, the committee’s meeting was aimed at reviewing and approving plans and measures in case of military confrontation with another country. While no specific nation was named in official statements, analysts view the timing as a direct response to the US actions in Venezuela and Trump’s recent warnings.

This is the first National Defence Committee meeting since the Venezuela operation and highlights Cuba’s vigilance amid escalating regional tensions. In the event of war or a national emergency, the committee is responsible for coordinating the country’s defence operations.

US-Cuba Relations on Edge

Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and threats to Cuba have sparked concerns of a potential conflict. While diplomatic talks between the two countries have been largely absent, Cuba’s leadership continues to monitor the situation closely and has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty.

The recent developments underscore a fragile geopolitical situation in Latin America, with Cuba closely observing US moves following the Venezuela crisis.