The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) of Cuba has declared a total of 13 people **"missing"** as a result of the explosions that occurred early Tuesday morning in an arms and ammunition warehouse in the community of Melones, in the municipality of Rafael Freyre, Holguín.
Among the missing, the MINFAR identified two military personnel with the rank of "Major", two "Second Sergeants", and nine "Soldiers".
The list is as follows:
1. Mayor Leonar Palma Matos.
2. Mayor Carlos Carreño del Rio.
3. Second Subofficial Orlebanis Tamé Torres.
4. Second Corporal Yoennis Pérez Durán.
5. Soldier Leinier Jorge Sánchez Franco.
6. Soldier Frank Antonio Hidalgo Almaguer.
7. Soldier Liander José García Oliva.
8. Soldier Yunior Hernández Rojas.
9. Soldier Rayme Rojas Rojas.
10. Soldier Carlos Alejandro Acosta Silva.
11. Soldier Brian Lázaro Rojas Long.
12. Soldier José Carlos Guerrero García.
13. Soldier Héctor Adrian Batista Zayas.
"His family has been promptly informed, the Party, the Government, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces are giving this situation their utmost attention and continue investigative actions at the scene," concluded the concise note.
Although the Informative Note did not specify it, many internet users on social media agree in pointing out that the nine soldiers reported as "missing" are young individuals who were undergoing Military Service.
This would mean the repetition of the loss of innocent young lives in a tragedy, as happened in the fire at the Supertankers Base in Matanzas in August 2022, when several young people serving as firefighters during Military Service died.
As of the time this note was published, neither Miguel Díaz-Canel nor Manuel Marrero has commented on their social media about the incident that occurred in Holguín; on the contrary, both have posted on X their condolences to China for the victims of the earthquake in Tibet.
Meanwhile, on social media, outrage is growing and many Cubans are once again demanding an end to mandatory military service in Cuba.
The rickets of the official Cuban press has also been questioned, as it once again casts a thick silence over serious or scandalous events.
"Why aren't all the journalists from Holguín in Rafael Freyre covering the news of the explosions? Why did an announcer read a poorly written statement on television as the breaking news in the broadcast? If the explosion was the most important, shocking, and tragic event that happened yesterday," questioned the activist identified as "Edmundo Dantés Junior," who also criticized Díaz-Canel's silence.
In recent hours, images have emerged that confirm the magnitude of the explosion, caused by a fire that broke out while aging munitions were being classified.
Previously, the MINFAR reported that 361 people living near the site of the explosions had been relocated while efforts continued to assess the condition of the personnel and the damage to property.
On the other hand, more than 1,200 people were evacuated this Tuesday in the town of Melones following the explosions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the explosion at the military warehouse in Holguín, Cuba
How many people are missing following the explosion at the military warehouse in Holguín?
A total of 13 people have been reported missing after the explosions at the armaments and munitions warehouse in Melones, Holguín. Among them are two seniors, two second sergeants, and nine soldiers.
What was the cause of the explosions at the military warehouse in Holguín?
The explosions were caused by a fire while aging munitions were being sorted at the military material warehouse in Melones, Holguín.
How has the Cuban government reacted to the incident?
The Cuban government's response has been criticized for its slowness and insensitivity, as the initial priority was to express condolences to China for an earthquake before publicly addressing the explosion in Holguín. This has generated outrage on social media and among Cuban citizens.
What measures have been taken to ensure the safety of residents near the warehouse?
More than 1,200 people were evacuated from areas near the warehouse in Melones, Holguín, as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety against potential further explosions.
What is the current situation of Military Service in Cuba after this incident?
The incident has reignited criticism of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, especially since young soldiers on duty are among the missing. This situation has intensified calls on social media for the abolition of this practice.
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