Ramiro Valdés, historic commander of the Cuban Revolution and pillar of the Castro dictatorship, dies

Ramiro Valdés, a prominent and enduring figure of the Cuban Revolution, has died at the age of 94. President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced his passing, describing the loss as deeply painful and comparing Valdés to a "father figure." Valdés was a stalwart of the communist regime, known for his hardline stance and his integral role in Cuban politics for over six decades, serving under both Fidel and Raúl Castro.

Born in 1932, Valdés was part of the "old guard" of the revolution. He participated in the pivotal 1953 attack on the Moncada barracks and was among the 82 men who sailed from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 to restart the insurrection. He survived the perilous journey and fought alongside Fidel Castro in the Sierra Maestra mountains, eventually playing a key role in the decisive Battle of Santa Clara, which preceded the triumph of the revolution in 1959.

After the rebels seized power, Valdés was instrumental in establishing and leading the State Security Directorate within the Ministry of the Interior. He held numerous high-ranking positions throughout his career and was honored as a "Hero of the Republic" and "Commander of the Revolution." In his later years, he served as a deputy prime minister, focusing on sectors such as energy, nickel, electronics, and construction. His long tenure and unwavering loyalty made him a pillar of the Castro government until his death.

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The physical departure of the commander of the revolution, Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, hurts deeply, like that of a father.