Cuba celebrates 45th anniversary of Prevention Troops

The Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) marked the 45th anniversary of the Prevention Troops, an elite unit established on September 11, 1981, by Raúl Castro. During the commemorations, General Raúl Castro issued a letter recognizing the combatants and civilian workers for their discipline and professionalism in protecting the population and ensuring stability.

As part of the tribute, the Prevention Troops were awarded a replica of the yacht Granma for their service history. The unit operates under Military Counterintelligence (CIM) and is tasked with maintaining discipline among military personnel, overseeing resources, and tracking deserters.

The unit has faced significant international scrutiny. Following the July 11, 2021, protests, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Prevention Troops under the Global Magnitsky Act, citing their role in suppressing peaceful demonstrators. Human Rights Watch has also documented the involvement of Cuban military and police forces in abuses during those protests.