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The father of one of the victims of the explosion that occurred on January 7 at the military unit in Melones, Holguín, Julio César Guerrero Batista, held the Cuban regime responsible for the tragedy that claimed the lives of 13 people, including nine young soldiers.
In a message posted on social media, Guerrero Batista denounces that the soldiers who managed to escape alive from the tunnels where weapons were stored were sent back inside by orders of someone, despite knowing the grave danger that it entailed.
The father demands that the person who gave that order pay for the 13 lives lost in the tragedy.
"The truths always come to light. They emerged alive from the tunnels, but were sent back knowing the monster that existed down there. That person who gave the order must be held accountable for those 13 lives," expressed Guerrero, who also questioned the lack of preparation of the military officers present at the time of the explosion.
His complaint takes into account the accounts of close witnesses: one of the young people who was in the tunnels before the tragedy recounted that he left the place due to a strong odor that made it difficult for him to breathe.
The soldier was threatened with being discharged if he did not return inside, but he decided to leave, thus saving himself from the tragedy that occurred shortly after.
Other accounts indicate that, after initially exiting, the soldiers were sent back to the tunnels, where the explosion that claimed the lives of everyone present ultimately occurred.
Guerrero Batista also lashed out against the secrecy and the lies surrounding the incident. In his message, he expressed his pain and anger over the lack of clear answers and the absence of a public investigation to clarify what happened.
“I don't understand why there were military officials on site that early in the morning on January 7, but they ordered that the soldiers 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 stated that the explosion was caused by a short circuit; however, the families of the victims continue to assert that rescue efforts were not carried out promptly.
Additionally, some testimonies from family members indicate that the deceased soldiers were young recruits fulfilling their Mandatory Military Service, which has reignited criticism of the system of compulsory military conscription for young people in Cuba.
This tragedy has fueled the campaign "No to Military Service," which demands an end to this practice that many consider dangerous and oppressive.
Frequently asked questions about the tragedy in Holguín
What happened at the military unit in Melones, Holguín?
An explosion in an ammunition warehouse resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including nine young soldiers, at the military unit in Melones, Holguín. The incident has been attributed to a short circuit that triggered the disaster.
Why is the Cuban regime accused of negligence in this case?
The Cuban regime has been accused of negligence because the soldiers were sent back into the tunnels despite the known danger and because no immediate rescue measures were taken to save the victims. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the investigation of these events has been criticized.
What has been the official response of the Cuban government to this tragedy?
The Cuban government has declared the 13 missing individuals deceased and has attributed the incident to a short circuit. However, the lack of recovery of the bodies and the delay in communication have generated criticism and distrust among family members and the public.
What impact has this event had on the debate about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
The tragedy has reignited criticism of Mandatory Military Service, seen by many as a dangerous and oppressive practice for young people. Activists and citizens have called for an end to this practice, pointing out the lack of preparation and safety for recruits.
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