The Plan
The original invasion plan called for two air strikes against Cuban air bases. A 1,400-man invasion force would disembark under cover of darkness and launch a surprise attack. Paratroopers dropped in advance of the invasion would disrupt transportation and repel Cuban forces. Simultaneously, a smaller force would land on the east coast of Cuba to create confusion.
The main force would advance across the island and set up a defensive position. The United Revolutionary Front would send leaders from South Florida and establish a provisional government. The success of the plan depended on the Cuban population joining the invaders.
Preparation and training for invasion
In April 1960, the CIA began to recruit anti-Castro Cuban exiles in the Miami area. Until July 1960, assessment and training were carried out in South Florida. The exiles group named themselves Brigade 2506...
In summer 1960, an airfield was constructed.The CIA used Douglas C-54 transports to deliver people, supplies, and arms from Florida, by night. Facilities and limited logistical assistance were provided by the governments of Guatemala and Nicaragua. In return, in 1960 the CIA helped to prevent a military coup in Guatemala, and both governments later received military training and equipment.
In summer 1960, an airfield was constructed.The CIA used Douglas C-54 transports to deliver people, supplies, and arms from Florida, by night. Facilities and limited logistical assistance were provided by the governments of Guatemala and Nicaragua. In return, in 1960 the CIA helped to prevent a military coup in Guatemala, and both governments later received military training and equipment.
Prior warnings of invasion
The Cuban security knew the invasion was coming, via their secret intelligence network, as
well as loose talk by members of the brigade, some of which was heard in
Miami, and was repeated in US and foreign newspaper reports...
Nevertheless, days before the invasion, multiple acts of sabotage were carried out, such as the El Encanto fire, an attack in a department store in Havana. The Cuban government also had been warned by senior KGB agents. The general Cuban population was not well informed.
On 13 April 1961, Radio Moscow broadcast an English-language newscast, predicting the invasion "in a plot hatched by the CIA" using paid "criminals". The invasion took place four days later.
Nevertheless, days before the invasion, multiple acts of sabotage were carried out, such as the El Encanto fire, an attack in a department store in Havana. The Cuban government also had been warned by senior KGB agents. The general Cuban population was not well informed.
On 13 April 1961, Radio Moscow broadcast an English-language newscast, predicting the invasion "in a plot hatched by the CIA" using paid "criminals". The invasion took place four days later.
