Last week, Cuba’s communist regime declared that it was in a “state of war”, a decision that increased the climate of insecurity in the country and increased fear among young people in military service and Christian communities, according to reports from religious leaders and organizations that monitor the situation on the island.
The “state of war” was approved during a meeting of the National Defense Council, the body responsible for taking control of the country in situations of natural disasters or armed conflicts. As reported by state media outlets, the plans adopted are based on the concept of “War of the Whole People”, a doctrine that envisages the broad mobilization of the population in the face of possible external aggression.
According to the organization Open Doors, which monitors persecution against Christians around the world, the announcement deepened a scenario already marked by food shortages, lack of medicines, frequent blackouts and difficulties in accessing basic services. According to reports gathered by the entity, young people called up for military service are currently living under strong pressure and constant fear.
A Cuban pastor interviewed by Portas Abertas stated that “the young people who are currently in military service are afraid. No one is prepared for a war. However, they are obliged, according to the authorities, to defend the revolution.” According to the religious leader, many of these young people remain confined without adequate conditions or essential resources.
According to the World Persecution List 2026, made by Portas Abertas, Cuba occupies 24th position among the 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted in the world and is considered the most dangerous in Latin America for the practice of the Christian faith. The entity states that the “state of war” makes this group even more vulnerable, amid state surveillance and restrictions imposed on churches.
Two members of the Open Doors team in Latin America, whose names were not released, spent several days in Cuba recently assessing the situation of Christian communities. According to one of them, “what we found was a harsh reality, of systemic poverty, constant vigilance and churches that cling to faith in the midst of difficulties.” The team reported hearing testimonies from around ten pastors and local leaders.
The declaration of the “state of war” occurs in a context of increased tension between Havana and Washington. According to a report from The Wall Street JournalUnited States government officials assess that the Cuban regime has become more fragile after the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, an ally of Cuba. American President Donald Trump even publicly stated that he suggested to Cuban leaders that they “make a deal before it is too late”. The newspaper cited that Cuba is currently seen as the Trump government’s next target in Latin America.
