Battle of Santa Clara begins

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.

Local activists supplied intelligence, guides and support as rebel columns entered Cuba’s central city.

Guevara’s fighters disabled and captured a train carrying troops and weapons, breaking a central pillar of Santa Clara’s defence.

Arms and ammunition from the derailed armoured train were used against remaining government positions in Santa Clara.

After prolonged resistance, the government garrison surrendered to Camilo Cienfuegos, clearing the road toward Havana.

The government’s defence of the central city collapsed, making Batista’s position untenable.