Rebels capture Caibarién

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

Camilo Cienfuegos’s forces surrounded the army garrison at Yaguajay during the campaign for 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.

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

Forces under Che Guevara attacked strategic positions in Santa Clara, Cuba’s central transport hub.

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.