Bay of Pigs Invasion 1961: The Failed U.S.-Backed Coup

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]President Eisenhower signs the covert Operation Pluto Plan, authorizing CIA recruitment of Cuban exiles.

[00:00:08]Cuban exiles train in Guatemala, learning guerrilla tactics. While President Kennedy announces the aim to overthrow Castro's regime and restore democracy in Cuba.

[00:00:20]On April 17th, Brigade 2506 departs Cienfuegos aboard ships and landing craft, heading toward the Bay of Pigs.

[00:00:30]Kennedy orders the cancellation of the second wave of air Cuban forces under Fidel Castro watch the invading exiles land at Playa Girón, ready with artillery and militia.

[00:00:46]Intense fighting erupts. Cuban artillery and militia pin the invaders, causing heavy casualties by nightfall.

[00:00:54]By April 19th, the remaining Brigade 2506 troops surrender and are taken prisoner by Castro's forces.

[00:01:03]The Kennedy administration publicly denies direct US involvement, while CIA memos later confirm the operation's details.

[00:01:11]The failure pushes Castro toward Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, leading to missile