ISTANBUL

The 13 soldiers who had been missing following an explosion at a warehouse storing military equipment in Cuba on Jan. 8 have been confirmed dead, the country’s president said on Thursday.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that the explosion occurred in a warehouse located in the Melones region of Holguin province, resulting in the loss of 13 soldiers.

"We are profoundly saddened by the deaths of officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers who perished heroically. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends,” Diaz-Canel said in a statement.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces Ministry (Minfar) announced that despite intensive efforts, the area of the accident could not be accessed immediately after the explosion.

The statement extended condolences to the families of the soldiers and noted that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

The probable cause of the explosion is linked to an electrical malfunction caused by a short circuit in the facility's wiring, according to state television.

A statement from Minfar initially reported that military equipment had exploded in a warehouse in the Melones region of Holguin province for reasons yet to be determined.