Pact of Caracas unites opposition organizations

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.

Rebels surrounded an army battalion near La Plata, cutting its supplies and communications.

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

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.

Rebel resistance prevented the government army from recovering the initiative in the Sierra Maestra.

Government forces attempted to trap Castro’s main force in the final major battle of the summer offensive.