Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, a foundational figure of Cuba’s security apparatus and a long-time ally of the Castros, has died at age 94.

Valdés’ passing marks the departure of one of Cuba’s most enduring revolutionary figures, who remained influential within the leadership circle for decades.

Confirmed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Valdés died at 94, with his death prompting official condolences from the state.

One of his last public acts was awarding a medal to officers involved in suppressing protests in August 2021; his last verified public appearance was in September 2025 at a solar park inauguration.

Valdés’ legacy is tied to the consolidation of Cuba’s security state and to controversial periods of international alignment, notably with Venezuela.

After a 1997 mission to Bolivia to locate Che Guevara’s remains, Valdés briefly resurfaced from relative public anonymity.

His career spanned revolutionary combat, ministerial leadership, top party roles, and a sustained though intermittently distant public presence.

Critics nicknamed him Charco de Sangre and the Butcher of Artemisa, reflecting his role in political repression, including actions against protests such as the 11J demonstrations.

In later years, he publicly supported President Díaz-Canel and oversaw energy projects like photovoltaic park installations amid Cuba’s energy crisis.

Valdés was a long-time member of the Communist Party and founder of Cuba’s G2, the state security service, serving as minister of the interior during periods of intense confrontation with the United States.

A veteran revolutionary, Valdés was one of the last surviving Granma expedition members and held the rare title of Commander of the Revolution in Cuba.

Cuban leaders mourned his death on social media, with Díaz-Canel invoking Hasta la victoria siempre and referring to Valdés as a commander of the revolution.