Ramiro Valdés, Cuban Revolution commander and intelligence chief, dies at 94

Ramiro Valdés, a pivotal commander of the Cuban Revolution and a foundational figure in the island's intelligence apparatus, has passed away at the age of 94. His death was announced by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, marking the end of an era for one of the revolution's last prominent leaders.

Known for his stern demeanor, Valdés was instrumental in establishing the G2, Cuba's formidable state security intelligence service. During his tenure as Minister of the Interior, he oversaw the state's response during the most intense periods of confrontation with the United States following the 1959 revolution. He once admitted in a rare 2018 interview that his intelligence network ensured "no one moved without security knowing," which allowed for the penetration of counter-revolutionary organizations.

Michael Shifter, a fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue think tank, described Valdés as having managed "the toughest stage of the confrontation in the years after 1959" against internal opposition. Valdés, often seen in his signature olive-green uniform, was recognized for his unwavering loyalty to the revolution and Fidel Castro, his dedication to work, modesty, and simplicity, as noted by Raúl Castro in 2018.

Born into a humble family in western Artemisa province in 1932, Valdés was an early adherent to Fidel Castro's cause. He participated in the 1953 attack on the Moncada barracks, where he was slightly wounded, and later joined the Granma expedition from Mexico. In the Sierra Maestra guerrilla campaign, he served as second-in-command of Che Guevara's column, whom he described as a "very severe" but also "cool and very fraternal" chief.

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Puedo citar su fidelidad a la Revolución y a Fidel, su consagración al trabajo, la modestia y sencillez