Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz Biography

Castro regroups the guerrillas after the failed April general strike strengthens Batista's resolve.

Castro concentrates his smaller rebel force in defensible mountain positions.

Castro organises resistance as Batista's army begins its full summer offensive.

Castro concentrates available fighters near his headquarters to resist the approaching army.

Castro directs rebel resistance against Battalion 11 near Santo Domingo.

Castro arranges the transfer of captured government soldiers to Red Cross representatives.

Castro sends messages urging Quevedo to surrender the isolated battalion.

Castro directs the encirclement of Battalion 18 during the Battle of La Plata.

Castro orders rebel units to surround Battalion 18 at El Jigue.

Castro accepts the surrender of Battalion 18 and captures approximately 240 soldiers.

Castro's forces take approximately 240 Battalion 18 soldiers prisoner.

Castro shifts rebel units north to pursue remaining army battalions.

Castro plans to surround Battalion 11 after the victory at El Jigue.

Castro commits rebel forces against army units withdrawing through the northern sector.

Castro sends forces to attack Battalion 17 during its apparent retreat.

Castro uses the pause to withdraw fighters from the threatened area.

Castro proposes a ceasefire while his forces remain threatened by encirclement.

Castro requests helicopter assistance to evacuate wounded government prisoners safely.

Castro's remaining forces complete their withdrawal from Cantillo's encirclement.

Castro prepares columns under Camilo Cienfuegos and Che Guevara for operations beyond the Sierra Maestra.

Castro broadcasts an account of the defeated summer offensive and rebel treatment of prisoners.

Castro assigns Guevara command of rebel forces moving into Las Villas.

Castro orders Che Guevara to lead Column 8 toward Las Villas after defeating the summer offensive.

Castro expands rebel operations onto the Cauto plains after Operation Verano fails.