Juan Antonio Rodríguez Pérez, a retired Brigadier General, passed away early Thursday morning at the age of 77, according to reports from official Cuban media. The announcement of Rodríguez Pérez's death adds to a recent string of fatalities among the top brass of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of Cuba.
Rodríguez Pérez began his lengthy military career by joining the FAR as an Infantry Platoon Leader, eventually carving out a niche in Military Logistics. In recent years, he served as an advisor in the cargo transportation sector, working closely with the Ministry of Transportation to revamp the national logistics system.
Throughout his career, Rodríguez Pérez earned numerous accolades. His remains were interred in a family vault in the province of Artemisa, as per his wishes, the report noted. Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila expressed his condolences, calling him “one of his closest collaborators” and highlighting his significant role in the reorganization of the Port-Transport-Internal Economy Operation. "Respected across our nation, he leaves behind a void that is hard to fill," he stated on social media.
Just hours prior, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed the passing of another military figure: Abraham Maciques, a former director of the influential Palco Business Group, associated with the regime's parallel economic structure. "He was a collaborator of Fidel and Celia, a fighter, diplomat, and founder," Díaz-Canel wrote on his X account. In addition, the Palco Group released an official statement mourning his death.
These recent deaths follow that of Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz, another retired brigadier general, who died last December at 81. Hernández Alcaraz held key positions in the Ministry of the Interior, including leading the Directorate of Penitentiary Establishments, and was a prominent figure in Cuba's repressive apparatus for over five decades.
Key Questions About Recent Deaths in Cuba's Military Leadership
Who was Juan Antonio Rodríguez Pérez?
Juan Antonio Rodríguez Pérez was a retired Brigadier General of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, known for his extensive career in Military Logistics and his advisory role in the national logistics system.
What role did Rodríguez Pérez play in the Cuban military?
Rodríguez Pérez began as an Infantry Platoon Leader and later specialized in Military Logistics. He was influential in restructuring Cuba's national logistics system, working closely with the Ministry of Transportation.
How are recent deaths impacting Cuba's military leadership?
The recent deaths of high-ranking officials such as Rodríguez Pérez, Abraham Maciques, and Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz highlight a significant turnover in Cuba's military and governmental leadership, potentially affecting stability and continuity.