✦ History

Part of Cold War

Bay of Pigs Invasion

April 17–20, 1961 · Bay of Pigs, Cuba

Result Cuban government victory

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.

On the map Contemporaries

United States and allies

Cuba

United States
Cuba
John F. Kennedy belligerent leader, United States Robert F. Kennedy military commander Robert McNamara belligerent leader Charles P. Cabell belligerent leader Pepe San Román belligerent leader
Fidel Castro belligerent leader Raúl Castro belligerent leader Che Guevara belligerent leader Juan Almeida Bosque belligerent leader Ramiro Valdés Menéndez belligerent leader

Strength and losses

Killed
4
Ships lost
2
Strength
200,000
Tanks
100

Units

Alabama Air National Guard United States Air Force
Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Brigade 2506

Before and after

Followed from
Cuban Revolution July 26, 1953 – January 1, 1959
Led to
Cuban Missile Crisis October 16–29, 1962

Related events 1 degree away • 2 degrees away

1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
 
Cuban Revolution
 
Bay of Pigs Invasion
 
Cuban Missile Crisis

Also involved 1