Battle of El Jigüe begins

Batista sent thousands of soldiers into the Sierra Maestra to destroy a much smaller rebel force.

The government offensive combined military pressure with bombing and forced movement in areas suspected of supporting the rebels.

Rebel forces resisted the government’s summer offensive in difficult mountain terrain.

Guides, scouts and local knowledge allowed a much smaller force to resist Batista’s army in the mountains.

The army failed to break through the rebel defensive zone, beginning the reversal of Operation Verano.

The guerrillas cut roads and supplies, turning a government advance into a siege that undermined army morale.

Cuban opposition groups agreed to coordinate the struggle against Batista and support a provisional government after victory.

Major José Quevedo surrendered his surrounded force. The rebel victory became a turning point in the summer offensive.

The rebels treated prisoners and returned many through the Red Cross, using the victory to contrast their conduct with dictatorship violence.

Government troops again tried to penetrate the rebel zone as Operation Verano weakened.