Battle of Yaguajay begins

The victory opened routes across Oriente and further weakened the government army’s ability to defend provincial towns.

The July 26 Movement and Revolutionary Directorate agreed to cooperate militarily against Batista in central Cuba.

Rebel units attacked transport connections and isolated garrisons, preventing government reinforcement of central Cuba.

Column 8 and allied forces surrounded the town and its garrison as part of the offensive toward Santa Clara.

After several days of fighting the garrison surrendered, widening rebel control in Las Villas.

A military order identified sugar districts under rebel control and attempted to establish administration behind the advancing front.

The capture of the strategic town further isolated Santa Clara and government forces in central Cuba.

July 26 and Revolutionary Directorate fighters expanded control of central Cuba during the final offensive.

The port’s fall weakened government access to the north coast of Las Villas.

Revolutionary forces took the colonial town during the advance that converged on Santa Clara.