Bay of Pigs Invasion

Failed landing operation of 17-20 April 1961 on Cuba's southwestern coast by CIA-trained Cuban exiles (Brigade 2506) with US backing, aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro. President John F. Kennedy withheld further air support, and the invasion force was defeated within three days by Cuban forces, surrendering on 20 April. The failure solidified Castro's rule, pushed Cuba closer to the Soviet Union, and set the stage for the Cuban Missile Crisis.