64 years after the beginning of the invasion of Playa Girón, Cuba today evokes the struggle of its people, led by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, in defence of the Revolution.
Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organisation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), recalled that the US government was involved in the organisation of this action, carried out by the mercenary brigade 2506.
«The plan, approved by Eisenhower and executed by Kennedy, seemed perfect. They knew neither the people of #Cuba nor #Fidel,» wrote the party leader.
In another message, Morales Ojeda highlighted the primordial role of the Revolutionary Air Defence and Air Force (DAAFAR) in the actions of the Cuban forces, which in less than 72 hours managed to defeat the enemy.
«On DAAFAR Day we congratulate all the fighters who carefully guard the skies of the homeland,» he said, adding the hashtag #GenteQueSuma.
On 17 April 1961, a mercenary attack began in Playa Girón and Playa Larga (in the south of the province of Matanzas), with the aim of conquering a beachhead and installing a government previously designated by Washington.
While the militiamen were fighting the mercenary invasion, at the United Nations Raúl Roa, known as the Chancellor of Dignity, accused the US government of organising the aggression.
«The Revolutionary Government of Cuba solemnly accuses the Government of the United States of America, before the Political and Security Commission and world public opinion, of having resorted to the use of force to settle its differences with a Member State of the Organisation,» he said.
As a prelude to the invasion, on 15 April there had been surprise attacks on the airports of Ciudad Libertad, in Havana; the San Antonio de los Baños Air Base, south of the capital; and Antonio Maceo Airport, in Santiago de Cuba, with the aim of wiping out the revolutionary air force.
A day later, during the burial of the bombing victims, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro declared the socialist character of the Revolution.
The military operation was aborted by Cuban troops in less than 72 hours, in what is considered the first great defeat of imperialism in America.
