Raúl Díaz Argüelles

Raúl Díaz-Argüelles García (14 September 1936 – 11 December 1975) was a Cuban military officer who participated in the Cuban Revolution and internationalist missions in Africa. Díaz-Argüelles arrived in Angola in 1975, using the pseudonym Domingos da Silva to organize military schools for the FAPLA. Despite this, and facing the South African Army, troops from Zaire, and the FNLA, Díaz-Argüelles assumed command of the Southern Front of Cuban and Angolan forces. During the Battle of Ebo, he set an ambush at a bridge crossing the Mabassa River, dying at age 39 due to injuries from an anti-tank mine explosion that destroyed his armored vehicle on 11 December 1975.

Early life He was born in Marianao, Havana, on 14 September 1936, son of Marina and Raúl, who had been active in the struggle against dictator Gerardo Machado in the 1930s.

Legacy In recognition of his role and sacrifice in the struggle for Angolan independence, a general hospital in Sumbe, Cuanza Sul Province, was inaugurated in his name on 21 October 2024 by President João Lourenço. On 1 October 2025, his daughter Natasha Díaz-Argüelles received, on his behalf, the Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence (Peace and Development Class) from President Lourenço, who highlighted ongoing Angolan admiration for his contributions half a century later.