Former Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruiz died on Friday night. He was 90.

Castro had been in poor health with an intestinal ailment for several years.

A Jesuit-educated lawyer, Castro led the revolution that ousted the US-backed dictator  Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959.He then quickly took control of Cuba and sought to transform it into an egalitarian society. He ruled Cuba for 49 years.

Cuban President Raul Castro succeeded his brother, Fidel, in 2008.

Under Fidel, Raul was the head of Cuba’s armed forces and served as defence minister.

Fidel Castro’s body will be cremated, according to his wishes.