Alpha 66

Alpha 66 are a U.S.-based militant organization, formed by Cuban exiles in Puerto Rico in 1961, whose primary purpose is to overthrow the communist government of Cuba founded by Fidel Castro. The founder and first leader of Alpha 66, Nazario Sargen, was a former member of the segundo frente in the Escambray, organization led by Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo, suggesting that their politics may have been left-wing. The group trained during the 1960s and 1970s in the Everglades for an eventual armed invasion of Cuba.

History

Though an invasion never materialized after the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion, the group continued its violent efforts against the Cuban communist government. In 1976, Miami Police's Lieutenant Thomas Lyons and Detective Raul J. Diaz testified that groups including Alpha 66 had international terrorist ties and had sold $100 "bonds" in Miami to help finance their causes. The group was linked to a spate of bombings and assassinations in Miami during the 1970s, directed at Pro-Castro speakers. No Alpha 66 member was convicted of these crimes, however; and other Cuban paramilitary groups, such as Omega 7 and Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations, were active in Miami at the same time. A week before Lyons and Diaz's testimony, broadcaster Emilio Milian's legs were blown off by a car bomb outside his workplace. Alpha 66 continues to be an organized entity.

In popular culture

The group was featured in the 2003 film Bad Boys 2 and on the TV show Max X.

See also

• Cuban Power