The Cuban authorities have notified the family of Adriel Adrián Socarrás Tamayo, a captain from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) who died in Venezuela, that repatriating or returning his remains is not feasible due to the ongoing war situation in that country.
Socarrás Tamayo, aged 32, was among the 32 Cuban military personnel killed during events linked to the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Circumstances Surrounding the Death
According to military sources and officials from the Communist Party in Yara, Granma—where part of the family resides—the inability to return the body is attributed to operational restrictions at airports and the wartime context.
Yet, family members have voiced concerns over the lack of clear information about the circumstances of his death or any direct confirmation that the body is under official custody.
"In reality, no one has addressed the situation directly, nor stated, 'We have the body, he died in this manner or that,'" a relative shared with Martí Noticias.
Official Confirmation and Family Concerns
Socarrás Tamayo, originally from Yara, was part of a military unit in Matanzas, where he lived with his wife and two children. The unit's head also reached out to the family to verify the death, stating that Socarrás was part of Nicolás Maduro's security detail.
"They died in a firefight, according to him," the relative mentioned during the interview.
Although he had been stationed in Venezuela for two years, his family was unaware of his role in the direct security apparatus of the Venezuelan dictator. From Caracas, Socarrás regularly sent money to his mother and wife through bank transfers, with his last vacation in Cuba occurring the previous year.
Official Statements and Public Reactions
After the official notification, the family noticed that Socarrás's mobile phone still rang, leading to further uncertainty. However, military officials dismissed any possibility of him being alive. "We've been confirmed that he died in the battle. He was in the security cordon where Maduro was," the relative stated.
In the aftermath of the operation that resulted in Nicolás Maduro's capture, the Cuban regime disclosed the identities of the 32 Cubans killed during the U.S. attack on Venezuela.
The release included photographs and names of the uniformed personnel, marking the first official acknowledgment of the Cuban military presence in Venezuela, a reality Havana had denied for years.
Recognition of Fallen Soldiers
The list comprised high-ranking officers, captains, lieutenants, and soldiers aged between 26 and 67, including two colonels and three majors. The names were shared alongside official portraits, signaling a public recognition of the losses' magnitude.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the Cubans "fell in direct combat or as a result of bombings" and were portrayed as "heroes." Captain Adriel Adrián Socarrás Tamayo was confirmed among the deceased.
The announcement came a day after Miguel Díaz-Canel issued a national mourning decree, declaring two days of mourning and suspending festive activities across the country, a significant shift from the regime's previous narrative about its role in Venezuela.
Key Questions on Cuban Military Presence in Venezuela
Why can't the remains of Cuban officers be returned from Venezuela?
The Cuban authorities have cited operational limitations at airports and the wartime situation in Venezuela as reasons for the inability to repatriate the remains.
What roles did the Cuban officers have in Venezuela?
The Cuban officers, including Captain Adriel Adrián Socarrás Tamayo, were involved in security operations, reportedly as part of the security detail for Nicolás Maduro.