A Cuban father has come forward with a distressing claim that his 18-year-old son, Yorgenis Horrutinier Rodríguez, nearly lost his sight following an accidental shooting during mandatory military service training in Havana. Alberto Horrutinier Sánchez shared his account on social media pages, La Tijera and Irma Broek, revealing that an officer at the Managua Tank Unit removed Yorgenis from the infirmary, despite his illness, to participate in a shooting exercise.
During this training session, the officer reportedly discharged the weapon that injured the young man. Yorgenis sustained a severe eye injury, resulting in the loss of vision in one eye and posing a threat to his overall sight. He is currently receiving treatment in the Ophthalmology Ward at the Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Military Hospital in Havana, where his mother, Erisneyda Rodríguez, stays by his side.
"My son was admitted due to an illness, yet the officer took him to the shooting range. The officer shot him, and my son lost the vision in one eye and is close to losing the other," the father expressed in anguish. Horrutinier Sánchez lamented the lack of accountability, questioning why no action has been taken against the alleged perpetrator and why the incident remains unreported by state media. "Where is the justice? Why isn't the news covering this?" he asked, urging for responsibility and justice in his recorded statement.
The family remains in limbo, waiting for answers. "The culprit is nowhere to be found… my son has lost one eye and is at risk of losing the other," Horrutinier Sánchez stated, calling for the case not to be swept under the rug and for justice to be served. This incident highlights the urgent need for scrutiny over safety measures and oversight during military training exercises, as well as protocols for handling recruits who are ill or under medical observation.
Increasing Deaths Among Young Military Recruits
This year alone, 2025 has witnessed the deaths of at least 13 young individuals serving in the Active Military Service, a compulsory requirement enforced by the regime. In January, an explosion at a military warehouse in Melones (Rafael Freyre, Holguín) resulted in the confirmed deaths of nine soldiers.
In May, Léster Álvarez, a young Cuban, allegedly took his own life while serving in Ariza prison, Cienfuegos, causing deep sorrow among those close to him. Just two months later, another 18-year-old from the El Gabriel community in Quivicán, Mayabeque, died under tragic circumstances while serving at the military unit known as El Lombillo, sparking outrage and grief among family and activists.
Another tragic incident occurred a month later when Antonio Rassi, also 18, died at the El Calvario Military Unit in Havana following self-inflicted harm. Additionally, Lázaro Daniel Monteros, a 19-year-old from Ciego de Ávila, passed away while serving in El Morro unit in Havana.
In recent years, the toll of this mandatory program has risen, with fatalities stemming from accidents, neglected health issues, suicides, and mistreatment within military units.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Service in Cuba
What happened to Yorgenis Horrutinier Rodríguez?
Yorgenis Horrutinier Rodríguez, an 18-year-old Cuban, nearly lost his vision after being accidentally shot during a military service training exercise in Havana.
Why was Yorgenis brought to the shooting range despite being ill?
Despite his illness, an officer removed Yorgenis from the infirmary to take part in a shooting exercise, which led to the injury.
How many young recruits have died in 2025 during military service?
In 2025, at least 13 young recruits have died while serving in the Active Military Service in Cuba.
What are the causes of these fatalities among military recruits?
Deaths have occurred due to explosions, suicide, untreated health issues, and mistreatment within military units.