Cuba Prepares for Potential US Military Attack

US Indictment of Raul Castro Sparks Tensions with Cuba

A US federal indictment against former Cuban President Raul Castro has heightened tensions between the two countries, with some analysts suggesting a potential military operation could be imminent. The indictment, which dates back to 1996, charges Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes related to an incident in which four American men died when Cuban jets allegedly shot down aircraft operated by Cuban exiles.

Cuba has been preparing for the possibility of a US military confrontation, releasing a multi-page guide titled The Family Guide for Protection Against Military Aggression. The guide outlines safety protocols and responsibilities of families in case of a US attack, as well as Cuba’s defense doctrine, which envisions resisting foreign invasion through guerrilla warfare and local militias.

According to experts, Cuba is not entirely defenseless despite facing challenges such as blackouts, fuel shortages, and the loss of Venezuelan energy supplies. The country has a system of national defense against extreme weather events that has been recognized by international organizations. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has stated that any US military action would lead to a “bloodbath” and that Cuba does not pose a threat.

Analysts note that Cuba presents a unique challenge compared to Venezuela, with a better-trained and better-equipped military. The incident in which four American men died when Cuban jets allegedly shot down aircraft operated by Cuban exiles is seen as a key factor in the current tensions between the two countries.

Source: Al Jazeera