Ramiro Valdes, one of Cuba’s last living revolutionary figures, dies at 94

Ramiro Valdes, a key figure in Cuba's Communist revolution, has died at the age of 94. He was a close ally of Fidel and Raul Castro and participated in the 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks. Valdes was instrumental in founding Cuba's G2 state security intelligence service, which closely resembled the Soviet KGB and was used to monitor dissent and external threats. He held significant positions within the Cuban Communist Party, serving twice as minister of the interior and once as vice president. President Miguel Diaz-Canel described Valdes as a father figure and praised his dedication to Cuba.

Ramiro Valdes, a key collaborator of Fidel Castro and a celebrated hero of the Cuban Revolution, has died at the age of 94. President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced his death on Sunday, describing Valdes as a deeply missed figure. Valdes was a prominent government official for decades after the 1959 revolution, holding titles such as "Hero of the Republic" and "Commander of the Revolution." He participated in the 1953 Moncada barracks assault and was one of the survivors of the 1956 Granma yacht expedition that reignited the insurrection. Valdes served in various high-ranking positions, including interior minister and deputy prime minister, remaining actively involved in government until recently.