Fidel in Trinidad
Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, Aug 13 (RHC) Fidel Castro celebrated his 33rd birthday in Trinidad with the Rebel Army and the people, commemorating the victory over the Trujillo invasion, stated Emelio Taurín Domínguez (Emelito) from the Association of Cuban Revolution Combatants.
In statements to Prensa Latina, the then First Lieutenant, one of those selected to protect the historic leader of the Revolution, along with Camilo, Celia, Ramiro, and other high-ranking officers in the strategy against the Trujillo conspiracy organized by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Domínguez, from this central province, now residing in Havana, is now 88 years old. At a very young age, he joined the July 26th Movement in the town of Jatibonico and fought against the forces of tyranny in the mountains of Escambray.
"Every year, on this date," he said, "we remember the first devastating blow against the empire, which we carried in our hearts as a historical legacy. Fidel never rested, neutralizing the invaders, he visited and interacted with neighbors in Trinidad, talked, played baseball, and practiced shooting."
In that city, courage overflowed, a result of the strategic genius of the Commander-in-Chief with the support of the people, he assured.
His tactical and strategic genius confused the leaders of the sedition, making them believe that Cuba was rising up, while the people, peasants, and fighters waited expectantly to deliver the victorious blow, emphasized Emilito.
Each moment represented a new odyssey for these brave combatants, while reports of thousands of deserters from the Rebel Army, supported by the people and peasants, as well as the taking of cities and towns, reached the Dominican dictator every day.
While explosions and gunfire resounded throughout Trinidad and its surroundings, fires were seen. On the night of August 13, 1959, a plane arrived with elements of the CIA and the Trujillistas, and the Falangist priest Ricardo Velasco as a guarantor for the delivery of weapons for the uprising.
It was a scene of theatrical applause, embraces, and above all, "Long live Trujillo!" and "Down with Fidel!" Emelito analyzes.
"We were divided into two groups. I was tasked with transporting the newly arrived individuals to the former headquarters of the tyranny, now the political headquarters of the municipality, where their weapons were confiscated, and Fidel, along with other officers, interrogated them. Others, along with Commander Artola, went in search of the pilots."
During that action, there was an exchange of gunfire in which Eliope Manuel Paz and Frank Hidalgo lost their lives, and 42 days later, First Lieutenant Oscar Reyto passed away. The enemy had two casualties. (Source: Prensa Latina)
