Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro dies at age 90

Fidel Castro’s brother and Cuban President, Raul Castro, announced the death of his older brother on state television Friday.

The former president and revolutionary leader was 90-years-old.

Castro ruled the island for almost half a century, defying the power of 10 American presidents.

His presidency was marked by the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis one year later.

Shortly after the announcement was made thousands took to the streets cheering, banging pots and waving flags.

While many are celebrating, Castro’s family and friends across Latin America will mourn his death.

Castro – known as a bearded, cigar-smoking dictator – survived a crippling U.S. trade embargo and dozens of assassination plots before his health declined forcing him to handover power to his brother, Raul.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Cuba last month. He issued a statement while at the summit of la Francophonie in Antananarivo, Madagascar about the death of Castro.

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving President,” said the statement. “On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and many, many supporters of Mr. Castro. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.”