Cuba Prepares for Potential U.S. Conflict

Cuba Prepares for Potential U.S. Conflict

Havana, Cuba – Cuba is preparing its civilian population for potential military confrontation with the United States, following intensified rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump and the indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro. On May 21, 2026, Cuba's Civil Defense released "The Family Guide for Protection Against Military Aggression," outlining family responsibilities and safety protocols in the event of a U.S. attack. This initiative builds on Cuba's "War of All People" defense doctrine, which mobilizes the entire civilian population for resistance through guerrilla warfare, local militias, and civil defense networks.

The escalation follows a U.S. federal indictment of Raul Castro on charges including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and murder, stemming from a 1996 incident involving the downing of aircraft operated by Cuban exiles. This development is part of a broader U.S. pressure campaign, which has included increased surveillance flights near Cuba and executive orders designating Cuba as a "significant threat." Analysts suggest a U.S. military operation could be imminent, with President Trump reportedly stating, "Cuba is next."

While Cuba faces internal challenges such as blackouts and fuel shortages, some analysts, including Helen Yaffe of the University of Glasgow, assert that Cuba's military is well-trained and its population prepared for resistance. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has warned that any U.S. military action would result in a "bloodbath." The island's proximity to the U.S. also raises concerns among some experts, like Carlos Malamud of the Elcano Royal Institute, about Cuba's potential for retaliation against U.S. cities, such as Miami, should an attack occur.