The United States has intervened in Latin America on numerous occasions over the past 75 years. These interventions have had varying goals and consequences. One of the most famous was the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in 1961. The CIA-sponsored operation aimed to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. However, despite air and naval support, the 1,500-strong mercenary brigade was repelled by Cuban forces. This failure was a major setback for the Kennedy administration and further solidified Castro's regime. Another notable example was the invasion of Grenada in 1983, justified as a mission to protect American lives and 'restore democracy.' Operation 'Urgent Fury' was even condemned by U.S. allies. In the Dominican Republic in 1965, U.S. troops were sent in to prevent a communist government from taking power. In Panama in 1989, 'Just Cause' was launched to oust the dictator Manuel Noriega, who was accused of drug trafficking. In 1994, the U.S. peacefully occupied Haiti to restore democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Recent events, including a possible U.S. military action in Venezuelan territory, are taking place amidst extreme bilateral tension.
