Havana ? President Fidel Castro is defending his crackdown on dissent, shrugging off international criticism and vowing to defend Cuba against the United States.

“We are now immersed in a battle against provocations that are trying to move us toward conflict and military aggression by the United States,” Castro said.

He did not directly refer to Friday’s execution of three men convicted of hijacking a ferry, in a Friday speech on state television. Nor did he mention the lengthy sentences given 75 dissidents.

Though both measures were roundly condemned by world governments and human rights groups, the communist leader made it clear that he considers his country to be under U.S. attack and that he will do whatever it takes to ensure his system remains intact.