Veterans attend a parade in Havana. Image: keystone
May 16, 2026, 10:14 p.mMay 16, 2026, 10:14 p.m
Amid tensions with the United States, Cuba’s Civil Defense has published a manual with guidelines for the population in the event of military aggression. The “Guide for Families to Protect Against a Military Attack” recommends having a backpack with food and medication ready and moving to a safe place immediately in the event of an air raid alarm.
“With the same zeal and discipline that we have used to prepare ourselves to deal with disasters, we must prepare to protect lives if the enemy attacks us militarily,” it says in the introduction. If attacked, the socialist Caribbean island would defend itself resolutely. However, a large part of the population, including children and the elderly, would not take part in the possible fighting and would therefore have to be protected according to the guidelines.
The nine-page document can be found digitally on some official sites such as the Citizens’ Portal of the City of Havana. Other government departments are said to have withdrawn the text after publication, as the news portal “14yMedio” reported.
People react on social networks: “Is this a joke?”
In comments on Facebook posts on Cuban news sites such as “Venceremos” about the guide, many expressed criticism. “Oh really, and where are we supposed to get the things for the backpack if we’re not currently at war and already have absolutely nothing?” wrote one woman. «Non-perishable food! Is this a joke?” said another comment.
The Cubans suffer from a shortage of food and power outages that last for hours. In the capital Havana there is sometimes no electricity for up to 22 hours a day. The few foods available spoil in the refrigerator.
Cuba has been mired in a severe economic and energy crisis for years, which has worsened in recent months due to a series of punitive measures by the USA. The Cuban government blames the United States trade embargo, which has been in effect for more than 60 years, and the oil embargo imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump in December. (sda/dpa)