Santiago de Cuba passes to the Rebel Army

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.

Fulgencio Batista left the country before dawn as his government and armed forces disintegrated.

Castro denounced attempts by senior officers to transfer power without a complete revolutionary victory.

A nationwide strike prevented remnants of the old regime from consolidating a military junta.

Speaking in Santiago, he warned against replacing Batista with another military arrangement and called for continued popular mobilization.

Guevara’s column entered the capital and took control of La Cabaña fortress.

Cienfuegos took control of the country’s largest military installation, completing the collapse of Batista’s command in Havana.

Workers kept transport, communications and major workplaces halted until the military succession collapsed and the Rebel Army controlled the capital.

A Santiago speech presented military victory as the start of social reconstruction and insisted on vigilance against elite restoration.