Bay of Pigs invasion
1961 · Playa Girón, Bay of Pigs (modern Matanzas Province, Cuba) · World · Modern
The landing force was defeated within three days, and about 1,100 were captured
Belligerents
Cuban government army and militia
- Commanders
- Fidel Castro
- Strength
- Tens of thousands
Cuban exile Brigade 2506
- Commanders
- José Pérez San Román
- Strength
- About 1,400 (trained by the US Central Intelligence Agency)
Background
After the Cuban Revolution, the US Central Intelligence Agency trained Cuban exiles in a plan to land in Cuba and overthrow Castro's government, and Kennedy approved the operation after taking office.
Course of the battle
- Air strikesTwo days before the landing, bombers disguised as Cuban aircraft attacked Cuban airfields but failed to destroy the Cuban air force
- LandingOn April 17 the landing force went ashore at Playa Girón on the Bay of Pigs
- Supplies cut offCuban aircraft sank the transport ships, the landing force ran short of ammunition, and the United States sent no air support
- SurrendersOn April 19 the surrounded landing force surrendered; the following year the prisoners were exchanged for medicine and food
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Place | Playa Girón, Bay of Pigs (in today's Matanzas Province, Cuba) |
| Result | The landing force was defeated within three days, and about 1,100 were captured |
| Winner | Cuba |
| Casualties | More than 100 of the landing force killed; Cuban casualties several hundred |
| Territorial change | The United States admitted defeat, and Cuban–US relations deteriorated further |
Impact
The Bay of Pigs invasion further consolidated Castro's government and pushed it toward the Soviet Union; the Cuban Missile Crisis of the following year was directly linked to it.
See the world in 1961 on the map →