Cuban interior minister, revolution pioneer dies at 78

HAVANA - Carlos Fernandez Gondin, Cuban interior minister and revolution pioneer, died Saturday afternoon at age of 78 due to "complications of a chronic disease," a statement issued by the Council of Ministers said.

The Cuban military official was born in the eastern city of Santiago in July, 1938, and started to participate in Fidel Castro's 26 July Movement at an early age.

He then joined the "Rebel Army" in its Second Front, which was led by current President Raul Castro.

After the triumph of the Revolution in 1959, he assumed different responsibilities with the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and in the Interior Ministry.

In 1961, he participated in the battle of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, a failed U.S.-backed military invasion of Cuba.

Gondin made contribution to Angola's war of independence from the apartheid regime, where thousands of Cuban troops backed different African countries to realize its liberation.

Gondin had reached the rank of Division General and had been a deputy of the unicameral parliament since 1993.

The military official had also been awarded the title of "Hero of the Republic of Cuba" due to his achievements and loyalty to the Revolution and its leaders.

In accordance with his will, the statement said, his body will be cremated and will be interred at the Mausoleum of the Second Eastern Front "Frank Pais," where he'll receive corresponding military honors.

Gondin's death comes less than two months after former Cuban President and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro passed away at the age of 90.