Cuban People Step Up Defence of Their Homeland in Light of Escalating U.S. Attacks
Since the U.S. terrorist attack on Venezuela on January 3 and in
the face of new U.S. economic measures against Cuba, the Cuban
government and people have reaffirmed their principled stand in defence
of Cuba and Cuba's international obligations and stepped up measures to
face the
challenges imposed by the U.S. attacks and strengthen Cuba's defences.
On Thursday, January 15, Cuba received the remains of its combatants who fell defending Venezuela on January 3. More than half a million Cubans turned out in somber yet militant gatherings across the country to pay their respects and commit to holding aloft the glorious banner under which they fought and died for country during the aggression by the United States government against Venezuela.
In the presence of the leaders of the Cuban government, state and armed forces, soldiers solemnly descended from the plane, carrying the urns with the mortal remains of the heroes, covered with the flag of the lone star, the flag they defended in the land of Bolívar and Chávez, because defending Venezuela was also defending Cuba. The remains were placed in six armoured vehicles in front of the formation of troops. To the beat of the National Anthem, three rifle salutes shook the airport terminal.
After a call to silence, Army Corps General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas spoke with sensitivity and respect. "We do not welcome them with resignation," he said, "we do so with deep pride and eternal commitment because we know, and the people of Cuba have learned this through the hardest of trials, that death does not defeat those who fall with a rifle in their hands defending a just cause. [...] They bring with them the enduring example of dedication, courage, and fidelity to the noblest ideals of man." "We will always remember you in every effort, every challenge, every victory [...] you are an example of honour. You are a lesson for those who hesitate, you are a warning to those who threaten," he concluded.
At dusk, Army General Raúl Castro, accompanied by President Díaz-Canel, led the last honour guard for the combatants at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Raúl then paid tribute in front of each of the urns.
On January 16, President Díaz-Canel presided over a second day of tributes. Before tens of thousands of Cubans gathered at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune, he gave an unequivocal response to U.S. threats, saying "There is no surrender or capitulation possible, nor any kind of understanding based on coercion or intimidation. Cuba does not have to make any political concessions, and that will never be on the table for negotiations for an understanding between Cuba and the United States." Cuba has the peoples of the world who are striving for peace, justice and independence standing with it.
Speech by Cuban President in Response to Escalating U.S. Threats (excerpts)
"[T]he current U.S. administration opened the door to an era of barbarism, dispossession and neo-fascism, no matter what that might mean in terms of more war, destruction and death. [...]
"Only those who do not know the value of friendship, solidarity and cooperation forged between peoples can confuse the relationship between Cubans and Venezuelans as one merely of business or the simple exchange of products and services. Above all, Cubans and Venezuelans are brothers! (Applause.) Giving our own blood and even our lives for a brotherly people may seem strange to others, but not to Cubans. [...]
"No
matter how much they insist on glorifying their camouflaged soldiers
with their helmets and bulletproof vests, night vision goggles,
protected by planes, helicopters and swarms of drones, amid intentional
blackouts, the assault of the Delta Force terrorists was not the walk
in the park they
have sold to the world.
"One day we will know the whole truth, but even Trump has been unable to deny that several attackers were injured. Our brave fighters, with conventional weapons and no vests other than their morals and their loyalty to the mission they were fulfilling, fought to the death and dealt blows to their adversaries! (Applause.) [...]
"The current emperor of the White House and his infamous Secretary of State have not stopped threatening us. 'I don't think much more pressure can be exerted,' Trump said in a tacit recognition of the extreme levels to which the blockade imposed on Cuba for more than six decades has escalated. [...]
"[A]ccording to their imperial conception, 'going in and destroying the place' is all that remains for them to subdue us. That grotesque statement, which has aroused deep outrage in the Cuban people, can only be interpreted as an incitement to the ruthless massacre of a country that has never promoted hatred toward others.[...]
"Cuba does not threaten or challenge! Cuba is a land of peace! It was here in Havana, on the initiative of Cuba, that 12 years ago, during the Second Summit of CELAC [the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States], Latin America and the Caribbean were proclaimed as a Zone of Peace, an achievement brutally ripped apart by the fascist onslaught in Venezuela. This commitment to peace in no way undermines our readiness for combat in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. If we were to be attacked, we would fight with the same ferocity bequeathed to us by several generations of brave Cuban fighters, from the wars of independence in the 19th century, the Sierra Maestra, the clandestine struggle and Africa in the 20th century, to Caracas in this 21st century. There can be no surrender or capitulation, nor any kind of agreement on the basis of coercion or intimidation.
"Cuba does not have to make any political concessions, nor will that ever be up for negotiation in order to reach an understanding between Cuba and the United States. It is important that they understand this: we will always be ready for dialogue and for improving relations between our two countries, but on equal terms and on the basis of mutual respect. That's how it has been for over six decades. It will be no different now! [...]
"Let Us March Together! And in memory of their heroic example, let us swear:
"Fatherland or Death!
We Will Win!
Ever Onward to Victory! "
The gathering was followed by a March of the Fighting People led by President Díaz-Canel and other officials of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban government. Chants of Down with Imperialism!, Yes to Cuba, No to Yankees!, Bring President Maduro Back! and Justice for the Fallen! were among those voiced by the marchers, affirming that Cuba will defend its independence and sovereignty.
National Defense Day, January 17
Throughout Cuba on January 17 defense exercises were held which included armed forces and civilians. Speaking to participants, Cuban President Díaz-Canel emphasized that the entire country, as part of its defence preparations had, for the past three weeks, been conducting exercises involving combined forces from regular units, the Territorial Troop Militias, and the Production and Defense Brigades. He said that this intense, systematic and rigorous program of preparation for the defense of the country is yielding concrete results and that "By participating in this way, preparing ourselves for the defense of the homeland, unity is achieved, and when we have united, history has shown that we have always achieved victory." He told university students who were honing their skills for combat that "This level of preparation that you are developing in these times is very important to us, because we have to truly prepare ourselves," underscoring that "the best way to avoid aggression, as Fidel and Raúl have always warned us, is to be prepared for defense."
Delegates to National Assembly of People's Power Supported
to Assist Constituents
On February 9, the President of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State of Cuba, Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez, announced the decision of the Council of State that wherever possible delegates to the National Assembly would be relieved of their work duties in order to be able to work directly with their constituents and pay attention to their concerns and other problems in the community. In this work delegates will be supported by state bodies, agencies and other entities. In working directly with their constituents the delegates are to be kept informed about decisions made to address the complex situation facing the country and are to keep their constituents updated on the information they receive regarding actions and measures related to the current situation in the country.
(With files from TeleSUR, Granma)
This article was published in
Volume 56 Number 4 - February 13, 2026
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/TML2026/Articles/T560047.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca