WATCH: Anti-Regime Protests Erupt In Cuba

Fiery anti-government protests erupted in the Cuban city of in Morón, a city in the nation’s Ciego de Ávila province, located approximately 250 miles east of Havana.

Footage from the scene shows a large group of demonstrators gathered outside the local Communist Party headquarters, where they could be heard voicing frustration with prolonged blackouts and shortages of critical resources.

The event began with crowds marching through darkened streets, chanting phrases such as “Libertad” (freedom). As the situation escalated, protesters ransacked the building, removed furniture, and attempted to set it on fire by throwing burning objects at the structure.

Video footage captured a large group surrounding the building with multiple fires visible. At least one person was reportedly injured after gunfire was heard, though it is unknown where the gunfire came from, according to a report from Fox News.

Cuban state media, including Vanguardia de Cuba, denied any injuries from gunfire, claiming that circulating images were “misleading” and aimed at creating confusion. They reported five arrests and described an incident where a participant, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, fell and required hospital treatment.

WATCH: Cubans set fire to Communist Party headquarters in Morón, Ciego de Ávila pic.twitter.com/qnU8In2u99

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) March 14, 2026

These events follow smaller demonstrations earlier in the week, including university student sit-ins at the University of Havana on March 9 over class disruptions caused by energy and internet shortages. Nighttime pot-banging protests, known as cacerolazos, have occurred in Havana districts like Arroyo Naranjo since February 6, with similar actions reported in provinces such as Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba, Reuters reported.

The latest round of protests come amid a backdrop of heightened U.S. pressure on the Cuban government. Since January, the Trump Administration has instituted an oil blockade and cut off the supply of oil from Venezuela, which was vital to the island nation’s economy.

This has led to no petroleum arrivals in Cuba for over three months, exacerbating an existing energy crisis tied to aging infrastructure and plant failures, such as the March 5 collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which caused nationwide blackouts affecting up to 68 percent of the island.

Earlier this week, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that his government had initiated talks with U.S. officials, describing them as in the initial phases and focused on resolving bilateral differences through dialogue. As part of these discussions, Cuba has pledged to release 51 political prisoners, a move brokered in part by the Vatican.

Get breaking news FIRST with the Trending Politics News app. Download it FREE today!