8. The Bay of Pigs Invasion (Cuba, 1961)
In April 1961, approximately 1,500 CIA-trained Cuban exiles launched the Bay of Pigs invasion, aiming to overthrow Fidel Castro’s communist government. The operation faced immediate challenges, including inadequate air support and logistical issues. Within three days, the invading force was defeated, with many captured or killed. The failure of the invasion embarrassed the U.S. government and strengthened Castro’s position in Cuba (britannica.com).
