The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at the University of Miami has revealed some surprising information about the involvement of Cuban troops in the Syrian conflict.

According to a report by the ICCAS, Cuban troops are assisting in the Russian offensive in Syria, on the ground. The information shared by the ICCAS in an email -- which has been reported by the Panam Post -- reveals that even the General Leopoldo Cintra Frías, head of the Cuban Armed Forces is in Syrian and leading the troops. Aligning with Russia's cause, Cuba is helping Putin regime in strengthening Assad's rule. The report states that the General is "leading a group of Cuban military personnel ... in support of Syria's dictator Assad."

The analysis also reveals that this alliance is in fact an old one, and its reputation precedes it: In the 1970s Fidel Castro sent "several hundred thousand troops to Angola and other African countries, while the Soviets provided weapons to support African leaders attempting to gain power in their countries."

Additionally in light of the recent steps taken to bolster the ties between the U.S. and Cuba, it seems the current president of Cuba, Raul Castro, is not taking the new friendship very seriously. This support for Russian in Syria -- a stand the U.S. vehemently opposes in its disapproval of the Assad regime -- says a lot about Cuba's allegiances.

The report states that Castro is "more interested in supporting his allies, Russia and Syria," as opposed to "modernizing Cuba and helping the Cuban people rise above their current misery."


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