The Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) announced on Tuesday a significant incident involving a warehouse storing military materials, which resulted in explosions caused by a fire. A statement released on their social media platforms confirmed that "explosions occurred at a site where war material is stored in the locality of Melones, in the Rafael Freyre municipality, Holguín province, due to a fire."
Authorities have assured that the event "poses no danger to the community." Meanwhile, the MINFAR emphasized that "the causes are under investigation." Rolando Guerra Machín, a senior specialist in Social Work at the Municipal Directorate of Labor and Social Security of Holguín, shared on social media that residents were being evacuated, although he mistakenly identified the explosions in old mines in the area.
"Breaking News. In the early hours of this morning, explosions in the old mines of the Melones Popular Council in the Rafael Freyre municipality of Holguín disrupted the community's peace," Guerra Machín noted. "According to a report by the Buenos Días magazine of the Caribbean Channel, the nearby population is being evacuated, but there is no immediate danger. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided in the comments of the original post and, if necessary, in further announcements," he added.
Military Explosions: A Disturbing Pattern
Incidents at Cuban military facilities, such as the recent one in Melones, are not isolated events and have sparked concern among the populace in recent years. These occurrences highlight the inherent risks of managing explosive materials in populated areas and suggest possible lapses in safety protocols and maintenance.
In 2020, a similar incident occurred at a military unit in Holguín, where a fire led to multiple explosions in an ammunition warehouse. Over 1,200 individuals from nearby communities were evacuated, with scattered projectiles causing damage to surrounding properties and land. Despite assurances from authorities to investigate the causes, a clear public report was never provided, leading to speculation and rumors among local residents.
Between 2022 and 2023, at least three fire-related incidents at military facilities were reported in Havana. In April, a grass fire within a military unit prompted a response from firefighters and alarmed the nearby community. Months later, in December, a suspected fire at a military zone in the capital triggered a significant security response, although officials offered no conclusive details about the incident's causes.
Another notable event took place in August 2022, when a fire impacted a military ranch in Havana, underscoring the recurrence of such events in the country.
Concerns Over Military Storage Safety
These events expose a troubling lack of maintenance and proper safety protocols at facilities handling hazardous materials. Although the FAR claims in each case that "causes are being investigated," they rarely provide concrete conclusions or corrective measures that reassure the public.
Experts suggest that many military facilities in Cuba, constructed decades ago, might not meet modern international standards for storing munitions and explosives. Extreme weather conditions, insufficient resources for proper maintenance, and the proximity of these facilities to nearby communities further increase the risks.
Impact on Local Communities
While authorities have stated that the recent Holguín incident "poses no danger to the community," previous experiences with similar incidents leave residents of the region skeptical.
In the 2020 Holguín incident, scattered projectiles following explosions reached nearby properties and fields, instilling fear among locals. Similarly, recent fires in Havana have raised concerns about the preparedness and response capabilities of security and emergency forces.
Need for Transparency and Improved Protocols
The recurrence of incidents at military facilities underscores the urgent need for more stringent safety and maintenance measures at warehouses storing military materials. Additionally, there is a pressing demand for greater transparency from the MINFAR to clearly and accurately inform the public about the causes and actions taken to prevent future incidents. The lack of official information and a tendency towards secrecy breed distrust and heighten the perception of insecurity among citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about Military Explosions in Cuba
What was the cause of the recent explosions in Holguín?
The explosions were caused by a fire at a military warehouse storing war materials in Melones, Holguín. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by authorities.
Are military explosions common in Cuba?
Incidents involving explosions at military facilities in Cuba have occurred several times in recent years, raising concerns about safety protocols and maintenance at these sites.
How do authorities respond to such incidents?
Authorities typically evacuate nearby residents and investigate the causes of the incidents. However, reports and conclusions are rarely made public, leading to speculation and concern among citizens.