Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz, a Brigadier General in reserve for the Cuban regime, passed away on Monday in Havana at the age of 81, as reported by the state-run newspaper Granma, which did not disclose the cause of death.
For over five decades, Hernández Alcaraz held key positions within the Cuban oppressive apparatus, including serving as the Head of the Directorate of Penitentiary Establishments under the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
Hernández Alcaraz joined the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) in 1964, where he swiftly rose through the ranks due to his operational performance in strategic areas such as Military Counterintelligence. In this realm, he led operations recognized by the upper echelons of the regime.
He carried out two international missions in Angola, where Cuban troops participated under the geopolitical interests of the now-defunct Soviet Union. These campaigns solidified his reputation as an influential operative within the regime's security and defense organs.
In 1989, Hernández Alcaraz expanded his role in the MININT, taking on responsibilities as Provincial Chief and leading key departments, including Counterintelligence and Penitentiary Establishments. His expertise in these areas was crucial in strengthening internal control mechanisms, especially during the 1990s, a period marked by the severe economic crisis known as the "Special Period".
Throughout his career, he was awarded numerous distinctions. Among the most notable are: the XX Anniversary of the Moncada Memorial Medal, the Ignacio Agramonte Distinction, the Second-Class Internationalist Combatant Medal, and Medals for the 40th, 50th, and 60th Anniversaries of the FAR. He also received accolades for his service in the State Security and Interior Order Organs.
The press outlet mentioned that details regarding the funeral honors for Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz will be released soon. His death adds to a growing list of commanders and generals who have passed away in recent years.
The passing of these aging Cuban generals and other "historic" figures highlights the urgent need for a generational shift that could pave the way for much-needed changes in the country. These high-ranking officials, molded by the ideological and military rigidity of a system that has kept Cuba stagnated politically and economically, represent a past that has stifled any attempt at significant reform or openness.
Among those on the list are: Jorge Luis Guerrero Almaguer (reserve division general); Lázaro Delgado Chaple (colonel and deputy chief of the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreign Affairs of the MININT); Romárico Vidal Sotomayor García, division general; Juan Israel Cervantes Tablada, brigadier general and director of the Military Industries Union (UIM).
In September, General of the Army Corps, Ramón Espinosa Martín, who served as first deputy minister of the FAR, died at 85. Recently, Julio Camacho Aguilera, a historic commander of the regime, passed away on December 14th at the age of 100.
Understanding the Impact of Military Leadership Losses in Cuba
What was Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz's role in the Cuban regime?
Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz served in key roles within the Cuban regime, notably as Head of the Directorate of Penitentiary Establishments and in Military Counterintelligence.
Why is the death of Cuban generals significant?
The passing of Cuban generals signifies a potential turning point for the country, highlighting the need for a generational shift that could lead to political and economic reform.
How did Hernández Alcaraz contribute to Cuban international missions?
Hernández Alcaraz participated in international missions in Angola, where Cuban forces operated under Soviet influence, enhancing his reputation within the regime's security and defense sectors.