Cuba’s name is also included in the list of countries receiving threats of occupation from America. This is the same country which has been on America’s target since the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Donald Trump has openly said many times that Cuba is next. However, the step taken by the Cuban President this time will displease Trump.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canal on Saturday defended the military exercises going on in the country, saying that these steps are necessary to prevent a possible attack from the US. Diaz Canal told on TV that preparation makes it easier to respond effectively to aggression. He said that this exercise is very important in today’s situation.

Could Cuba be in the same situation as Venezuela?

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump had warned Cuba that it was ready to collapse. Along with this, it was also said that it should make a trade agreement with America, otherwise it will have to face a situation like Venezuela. He made this comment when US forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump had specifically said that Cuba would no longer receive oil and financial aid from Venezuela. In a threatening tone, Trump had said that Cuba should have made an agreement with America long ago.

Why is Cuba conducting military exercises?

Diaz Canal responded to Trump’s threats by saying that Cuba is an independent and sovereign nation and will defend itself to the last drop of blood. He made it clear that Cuba is not expecting an attack from America, but is ready under compulsion. Cuba’s National Defense Council also recently held a meeting in which plans and measures were discussed in the event of war, indicating that this preparation is not just a show but a real strategy.

Is Cuba making the same mistake as Venezuela?

This question arises because the situation in Venezuela has become a major source of inspiration for the Trump administration. US officials are trying to bring about political change in Venezuela by taking advantage of its oil resources and economic crisis, and there are discussions about applying the same strategy to Cuba. However, analysts say that Cuba does not have huge oil reserves like Venezuela and its strategic importance is different. However, there is also a view that America had more military and economic interest in Venezuela because of oil, whereas Cuba does not have oil, so the possibility of direct military intervention may be less. Despite this, it is clear from the stance of the Trump administration that it is working on a policy of putting pressure on Cuba – whether it is through oil embargo or political and economic pressure.

What are the challenges facing Cuba?

Cuba has been facing US economic sanctions for the last decades. Since Trump’s threatening message, the US policy of stopping the supply of oil and money has further affected Cuba’s economy. Diaz Canal also said that relations with the US can improve only if they are based on international law, respect and equality, and not on threats and economic pressure. While Cuba sees its military exercises as a warning against possible US aggression, there is also a fear that the US might consider it a challenge against itself, as happened in Venezuela.