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Father of Deceased Recruit in Holguín Blames Military Negligence: "They Sent Them to Certain Death"

Thursday, January 30, 2025 by Elizabeth Alvarado

Father of Deceased Recruit in Holguín Blames Military Negligence: "They Sent Them to Certain Death"
Father and son - Image of © Facebook

Julio César Guerrero Batista, the father of one of the victims from the tragic explosion on January 7 at the Melones military unit in Holguín, has held the Cuban regime accountable for the disaster that claimed 13 lives, including nine young soldiers. In a statement on social media, Guerrero Batista accused military authorities of ordering survivors back into the tunnels where weapons were stored, despite the known dangers.

The grieving father demands justice for the 13 lives lost, insisting that the person who issued the fatal order be held responsible. "The truth will always come out. They escaped the tunnels alive, but were sent back knowing the risk that lurked below. Whoever gave that command must be held accountable for these 13 lives," Guerrero expressed, also criticizing the apparent lack of preparedness of the military officers present at the time of the explosion.

His accusations are supported by eyewitness accounts. One of the young soldiers who was in the tunnels before the explosion recounted that he left due to a strong odor that made breathing difficult. This soldier was threatened with discharge if he did not return inside, but chose to leave, thus avoiding the fatal disaster that ensued shortly after.

Other accounts reveal that soldiers, after initially exiting the tunnels, were ordered to return, leading to the explosion that claimed all their lives. Guerrero Batista also condemned the secrecy and deceit surrounding the incident. In his statement, he expressed his anguish and anger over the lack of transparent explanations and the absence of a public investigation to clarify what happened.

"I don't understand why, at that early hour on January 7, military officers with training were already on-site, yet they commanded the soldiers to re-enter the tunnel. They sent them to certain death," he wrote.

The official report from the Cuban Ministry of the Armed Forces (MINFAR) has maintained that a short circuit caused the explosion. However, the victims' families continue to complain about the delayed rescue efforts. Additionally, testimonies from family members indicate that the deceased soldiers were young recruits fulfilling their compulsory military service, reigniting criticism of Cuba's mandatory military conscription system.

This tragedy has fueled the "No to Military Service" campaign, which calls for the abolition of this practice, deemed by many as dangerous and oppressive.

Key Questions About the Military Tragedy in Holguín

What caused the explosion at the Melones military unit in Holguín?

The official report from the Ministry of the Armed Forces claims the explosion was caused by a short circuit. However, families of the victims dispute this and demand a thorough investigation.

Why are families of the victims critical of the military's actions?

Families criticize the military for sending soldiers back into the tunnels despite the known dangers, and for the lack of immediate rescue efforts following the explosion.

How has this incident affected public opinion on compulsory military service in Cuba?

The tragedy has intensified criticism of Cuba's mandatory military service, fueling the "No to Military Service" campaign that seeks to end the practice.

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