Media: Cuba arms civilians amid heightened tensions with US

Cuban authorities have begun distributing weapons to civilians and are officially urging residents to prepare for a possible US military invasion, according to the Venezuelan outlet Diario Versión Final.

The report claims the move is linked to an increase in US military presence near the island and recent statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described Cuba as a failed state posing a threat to its neighbor.

CNN correspondent Patrick Oppmann said preparations for a potential conflict scenario have reached a level where administrators of government buildings are even discussing military logistics with tenants.

The journalist added that in the government building where their main offices are located, one of the managers came over to ask whether they would need the office during an invasion.

According to local accounts, public sentiment on the island ranges from anxiety to exhaustion, with some Cubans saying they are “simply tired and want it all to end one way or another.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada