What was Cubana de Aviación Flight 455?

Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 was a Cuban passenger flight that was destroyed by a terrorist bomb attack on October 6, 1976, resulting in the deaths of all 73 people on board.

When and where did the bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 occur?

The bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 occurred on October 6, 1976, approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) west of Bridgetown, Barbados.

What type of aircraft was involved in the Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 incident?

The aircraft involved was a Douglas DC-8-40, registered as CU-T1201, operated by Cubana de Aviación.

How many people were on board Cubana de Aviación Flight 455, and what was the outcome?

There were 73 people on board (48 passengers and 25 crew), and tragically, all of them were killed when the aircraft was brought down by the bombing.

What was the flight path of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 on the day of the incident?

The flight originated from Timehri International Airport in Georgetown, Guyana, with stopovers in Trinidad, Barbados, and Kingston, Jamaica, before its final destination at José Martí International Airport in Havana, Cuba.

Who were the primary perpetrators implicated in the bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455?

Several CIA-linked anti-Castro Cuban exiles were implicated, notably Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, who were associated with the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU).

What organization was identified as responsible for the bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455?

The Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU), founded by Cuban exiles, is widely seen as responsible for the bombing.

What was the immediate cause of the destruction of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455?

The aircraft was destroyed by two time bombs that exploded on board eleven minutes after takeoff from Barbados, causing catastrophic damage.

Where were the two bombs located on the aircraft?

One bomb was located in the aircraft's rear lavatory, and the other was in the midsection of the passenger cabin.

What were the specific effects of the two bombs on the aircraft?

The bomb in the rear lavatory destroyed the aircraft's control cables, while the bomb in the midsection blasted a hole in the fuselage and started a fire, leading to the plane's rapid descent.

What notable group was among the passengers killed on Cubana de Aviación Flight 455?

The entire Cuban national fencing team, consisting of 24 members who had recently won all gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Championships, was killed in the crash.

What nationalities were represented among the victims of the bombing?

The victims comprised 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and 5 North Koreans.

What actions did the pilots take after the bombs exploded?

The pilots attempted to return the plane to Seawell Airport in Barbados, and the captain radioed the control tower about the explosion and fire, requesting an immediate landing.

What decision did the captain make as the aircraft descended rapidly?

Realizing a landing was impossible, the captain appears to have turned the craft away from the beach and towards the Caribbean Sea, potentially saving lives on the shore.

What was the background of the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU)?

CORU was founded on June 11, 1976, in the Dominican Republic by Cuban exiles, uniting five anti-Castro Cuban exile groups, including Alpha 66 and Omega 7.

Had Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 been targeted before the October 1976 bombing?

Yes, in July 1976, the same flight was targeted in Jamaica by a suitcase bomb that exploded shortly before being loaded onto the plane.

What other acts of violence did CORU commit in the period leading up to the bombing?

In the three months prior to the bombing, CORU waged a campaign of violence that included bombings of airline offices doing business with Cuba, murders of Cuban officials in Mexico and Argentina, the assassination of Orlando Letelier in Washington D.C., and a fire that destroyed Cuban-supplied fishing equipment in Guyana.

Who were the two individuals arrested in Trinidad shortly after the bombing?

Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano, two Venezuelan men who had boarded the plane in Trinidad but disembarked in Barbados, were arrested in Trinidad.

What did Lugo and Lozano confess to, and who did they implicate?

They confessed to placing the bombs and stated they were acting under the orders of Luis Posada Carriles, a CIA operative, and also implicated Orlando Bosch.

When and where were Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch arrested in connection with the bombing?

Posada Carriles and Bosch were arrested in Caracas, Venezuela, on October 14, 1976.

What was found during the raid on Luis Posada Carriles' company offices in Caracas?

Weapons, explosives, and a radio transmitter were found at the offices of Commercial and Industrial Investigations C.A. (ICICA), a private investigator's company owned by Posada.

What was the initial judicial process for the accused individuals regarding the trial location?

A meeting of officials from Trinidad, Cuba, Barbados, Guyana, and Venezuela decided the trial would be held in Caracas. Lugo and Lozano were deported to Venezuela, and Posada and Bosch were arrested there.

What was the outcome of the military trial for the four accused men?

In September 1980, a Venezuelan military judge acquitted all four men.

Why was the military trial's acquittal overturned?

The prosecutor appealed, arguing that a military court was the wrong forum for civilians accused of common law crimes. The Military Court of Appeals agreed, surrendered jurisdiction, and rendered the acquittal moot.

What were the charges in the subsequent civilian trial?

The four men were charged with aggravated homicide and treason before a civilian court.

What was the verdict and sentence in the civilian trial for Lugo and Ricardo?

On August 8, 1985, Judge Alberto Perez Marcano convicted Lugo and Ricardo, sentencing them each to twenty years in prison, with the penalty reduced due to extenuating circumstances.

Why was Orlando Bosch acquitted in the civilian trial?

Bosch was acquitted because evidence gathered by Barbados authorities could not be used in the Venezuelan trial as it was presented too late and had not been translated into Spanish.

What happened to Luis Posada Carriles during the judicial proceedings?

Posada Carriles fled from the San Juan de los Morros penitentiary on the eve of his sentencing. Proceedings could not continue without his presence, and an arrest warrant was issued.

What happened to Orlando Bosch after his acquittal and release in Venezuela?

Bosch was freed in November 1987 after spending 11 years in jail. He later went to the United States, where he was pardoned by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, despite objections from the U.S. Defense Department.

What happened to Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano after their conviction?

Lugo and Lozano were released in 1993 and continue to reside in Venezuela.

What actions did the CIA take regarding the bombing plot, according to declassified documents?

CIA documents released in 2005 indicate the agency had concrete advance intelligence, as early as June 1976, on plans by Cuban exile terrorist groups to bomb a Cubana airliner.

What was Luis Posada Carriles' role within Venezuelan intelligence?

Luis Posada Carriles served as the Director of Counterintelligence at Venezuela's intelligence agency, DISIP, from 1967 to 1974.

What evidence suggests the CIA had knowledge of Posada Carriles' activities prior to the bombing?

A declassified U.S. Government document confirmed Posada had an operational interest to the CIA and received monthly payments. Additionally, the FBI's attaché in Caracas provided a visa to one of the bombers days before the attack, despite suspicions of his involvement with Posada.

What did a declassified CIA document from October 1976 reveal about Posada's intentions?

The document quoted Posada saying, a few days after a fundraising meeting for CORU, "We are going to hit a Cuban airliner... Orlando has the details."

What did a declassified FBI document from October 1976 state about CORU's responsibility for the bombing?

The document quoted CORU member Secundino Carrera stating that CORU was responsible for the bombing and that the deaths were justified as part of CORU's "war with the Fidel Castro regime."

What did the National Security Archive release in May 2007 regarding Posada Carriles?

The National Security Archive released documents linking Posada Carriles to the 1976 Cubana airline bombing and other terrorist attacks and plots, providing further proof of his involvement.

Where was a monument erected in Barbados in memory of the victims of the bombing?

A monument was erected at Payne's Bay, Saint James, Barbados, to commemorate the victims of the bombing.

What proposal has been made in the Caribbean region regarding October 6th?

There have been proposals in the Caribbean to have the United Nations pass a resolution to designate October 6th as the "U.N. International Day Against Terrorism."

What was the significance of the bombing for the Cuban national fencing team?

The bombing tragically killed all 24 members of the Cuban national fencing team, who were returning from a successful competition where they had won every gold medal.

How did Cuba react to the bombing and the alleged US involvement?

Cuba accused the US government of being an accomplice to the attack.

What was the role of Luis Posada Carriles' company, ICICA, in the plot?

Hernán Ricardo Lozano, one of the convicted bombers, was an employee of ICICA at the time of the attack, and weapons and explosives were found at the company's offices.

What did the U.S. Justice Department urge regarding Luis Posada Carriles' release in 2007?

The U.S. Justice Department urged the court to keep him in jail, describing him as an "admitted mastermind of terrorist plots and attacks," a flight risk, and a danger to the community.

What was the basis for the U.S. immigration judge's ruling that Posada Carriles could not be deported?

The judge ruled that Posada Carriles could not be deported to Cuba or Venezuela because he could be subjected to torture in those countries.

What was the stated justification by CORU member Secundino Carrera for the bombing?

Carrera stated that the bombing and the resulting deaths were fully justified because CORU was at war with the Fidel Castro regime.

What happened to the aircraft's control cables and passenger cabin after the bombs detonated?

The bomb in the rear lavatory destroyed the aircraft's control cables, while the bomb in the midsection blasted a hole in the aircraft and started a fire.

Who was Rafael De Jesus Gutierrez, and what was his alleged connection to the bombing?

Rafael De Jesus Gutierrez was described as a Cuban intelligence officer of the Batista regime who became a CIA spy after the Cuban revolution, and he was implicated by the evidence in the bombing.

What did the Venezuelan judge cite as the reason for reducing the sentence for Lugo and Ricardo?

The judge reduced their penalty to its lowest limit due to the extenuating circumstance of no prior criminal records.

What is the significance of the date October 6th in relation to this event?

October 6th is the date of the bombing of Cubana de Aviación Flight 455, and there have been proposals to make it the "U.N. International Day Against Terrorism."

What role did a member of the Cuban fencing team play in the perpetrators' boarding of the flight?

A member of the Cuban fencing team waiting for the Cubana flight assisted Lugo and Lozano with interpretation, enabling them to insist on boarding the later Cubana flight.

What did Cuba accuse the US government of regarding the bombing?

Cuba accused the US government of being an accomplice to the terrorist attack.

Cubana Flight 455

A Chronicle of Terror and Justice: An in-depth examination of the 1976 bombing, its perpetrators, and the pursuit of accountability.

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Cubana Flight 455
Bombing
CU-T1201, the aircraft involved in the incident
Date	6 October 1976
Summary	Terrorist bombing
Site	8 km (5.0 mi; 4.3 nmi) west of Bridgetown, Barbados 13°7′48″N 59°43′30″W
Aircraft
Aircraft type	Douglas DC-8-40
Operator	Cubana de Aviación
IATA flight No.	CU455
ICAO flight No.	CUB455
Call sign	CUBANA 455
Registration	CU-T1201
Flight origin	Timehri International Airport, Georgetown, Guyana
1st stopover	Piarco International Airport, Trinidad
2nd stopover	Seawell Airport, Bridgetown, Barbados
Last stopover	Palisadoes Airport, Kingston, Jamaica
Destination	José Martí International Airport, Havana, Cuba
Occupants	73
Passengers	48
Crew	25
Fatalities	73
Survivors	0

The Incident

A Devastating Attack

Cubana de Aviación Flight 455, a scheduled passenger flight from Barbados to Jamaica, was tragically brought down on October 6, 1976, by a meticulously planned terrorist bombing. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-8-40, was carrying 73 individuals—48 passengers and 25 crew members—when two time bombs detonated shortly after departure from Seawell Airport in Barbados. The catastrophic explosions led to the aircraft crashing into the sea approximately 8 kilometers off the coast, resulting in the loss of all lives aboard.

Victims and Impact

The bombing claimed the lives of all 73 people on board, including a significant contingent of the Cuban national fencing team, many of whom were young athletes. The victims also comprised Cuban government officials, Guyanese students en route to medical studies in Cuba, and North Korean officials. This act of terrorism sent shockwaves through Cuba and the international community, highlighting the escalating tensions and violent tactics employed during the Cold War era.

Historical Context

Anti-Castro Sentiment

The bombing occurred against a backdrop of intense political animosity between Cuba and anti-Castro Cuban exile groups, often supported by external intelligence agencies. These groups were dedicated to overthrowing Fidel Castro's government. The Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU), a coalition of several such groups, was founded in the Dominican Republic in June 1976, shortly before the attack on Flight 455. CORU had previously engaged in a campaign of violence targeting nations that maintained diplomatic or economic ties with Cuba.

Pattern of Violence

In the months preceding the Flight 455 incident, CORU and associated entities orchestrated a series of attacks. These included bombings of airline offices that serviced Cuba, such as the BWIA West Indies Airways office in Barbados and Air Panama offices. Other acts of violence involved assassinations, such as that of Orlando Letelier in Washington, D.C., and attacks on Cuban diplomatic missions and personnel abroad. These actions demonstrated a coordinated effort to destabilize Cuba and disrupt its international relations.

Planning the Attack

Movements of Perpetrators

The individuals implicated in the bombing, Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano, traveled from Caracas, Venezuela, to Trinidad on October 5, 1976. They intended to board Cubana Flight 455, which was en route from Guyana to Havana with multiple stops. After initially considering an earlier flight with another airline, they ensured their boarding of the Cubana flight, assisted by a member of the fencing team. They disembarked in Barbados, the site of the second stopover, and subsequently returned to Trinidad.

Device Deployment

The two time bombs were strategically placed within the aircraft. One was located in the rear lavatory, and the other was situated in the midsection of the passenger cabin. These devices were timed to detonate shortly after takeoff from Barbados. The explosion in the rear lavatory severed critical control cables, while the second bomb in the cabin caused a significant hole and ignited a fire, leading to the rapid loss of control and subsequent crash.

The Catastrophe

Descent and Distress

Eleven minutes after departing from Seawell Airport, at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet, the two bombs detonated. The pilot, Wilfredo Pérez Pérez, immediately reported the explosions and fire aboard the aircraft, requesting an emergency landing. Despite the crew's efforts to return to Seawell Airport, the damage was too severe. Realizing a safe landing was impossible, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft away from populated areas towards the sea, potentially mitigating further casualties on the ground.

Loss of Life

The aircraft disintegrated and crashed into the Caribbean Sea. All 73 individuals on board perished. The victims included 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese citizens (several of whom were medical students), and 5 North Koreans. The loss of the entire Cuban national fencing team, which had recently achieved significant success in regional championships, was a particularly devastating blow, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.

Legal Proceedings

Arrests and Initial Charges

Hours after the bombing, Trinidadian authorities apprehended Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano, who had been on the flight but disembarked in Barbados. Their confessions implicated Luis Posada Carriles, a CIA operative, and Orlando Bosch, another anti-Castro militant, as orchestrators of the plot. Posada and Bosch were subsequently arrested in Caracas, Venezuela. Investigations revealed that Posada's private investigation firm, ICICA, was involved, and weapons and explosives were found at its premises.

Venezuelan Trials

The case was transferred to Venezuela for trial. Initially referred to a military tribunal, the proceedings were later moved to a civilian court. In August 1985, Lugo and Lozano were convicted of aggravated homicide and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Orlando Bosch was acquitted due to issues with the admissibility of evidence. Luis Posada Carriles escaped from prison before his sentencing and remained a fugitive.

Fugitives and Extradition

Posada Carriles evaded justice for years, eventually entering the United States. Despite warrants for his arrest and accusations of involvement in numerous terrorist acts, his deportation from the U.S. was complicated by claims that he would face torture in Venezuela. Orlando Bosch, after being released from Venezuelan custody, also resided in the U.S. and was controversially pardoned by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, despite being labeled a dangerous terrorist by the U.S. Defense Department.

Consequences and Accountability

US Government Knowledge

Declassified documents later revealed that U.S. authorities possessed advance intelligence regarding plans by Cuban exile groups to bomb a Cubana airliner. The FBI had contacts with one of the individuals involved in planting the bomb, and the CIA maintained an operational interest in Luis Posada Carriles, providing him with monthly payments. This information raised questions about the extent of U.S. complicity or negligence in preventing the attack.

Calls for Justice

The bombing remains a deeply sensitive issue, particularly for the victims' families and the Cuban government. Monuments have been erected in Barbados and Guyana to commemorate the victims. Cuban officials have consistently called for Posada Carriles and others involved to be brought to justice, seeking closure for the egregious act. There have also been proposals to designate October 6th as a UN International Day Against Terrorism.

Enduring Legacy

A Symbol of State-Sponsored Terror

Cubana Flight 455 stands as a stark symbol of the violence and political machinations of the era. The bombing underscored the devastating human cost of ideological conflicts and the complex challenges in achieving international justice for acts of terrorism, particularly when state intelligence agencies are implicated or aware of impending attacks.

Continued Pursuit of Accountability

The unresolved legal status of key figures like Luis Posada Carriles continues to be a point of contention. Families of the victims and governments have maintained their calls for accountability, emphasizing the importance of confronting and prosecuting those responsible for such atrocities to prevent future acts of terror and to honor the memory of those lost.

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References

638 Ways to Kill Castro, Channel 4 Television, 28 November 2006: TV documentary covering the many attempts by the CIA to eliminate Cuban leader Fidel Castro, a segment of which focused upon the Flight 455 bombing.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 Wikipedia page

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Cubana Flight 455

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Incident ℹ️

✈️ A Devastating Attack

💔 Victims and Impact

Historical Context 📜

🇨🇺 Anti-Castro Sentiment

💥 Pattern of Violence

Planning the Attack 💣

🗺️ Movements of Perpetrators

⏳ Device Deployment

The Catastrophe 💥

📉 Descent and Distress

⚰️ Loss of Life

Legal Proceedings ⚖️

👮 Arrests and Initial Charges

🏛️ Venezuelan Trials

🏃‍♂️ Fugitives and Extradition

Consequences and Accountability 🕊️

🏛️ US Government Knowledge

⚖️ Calls for Justice

Enduring Legacy 📈

🌍 A Symbol of State-Sponsored Terror

🗣️ Continued Pursuit of Accountability

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Incident

A Devastating Attack

Victims and Impact

Historical Context

Anti-Castro Sentiment

Pattern of Violence

Planning the Attack

Movements of Perpetrators

Device Deployment

The Catastrophe

Descent and Distress

Loss of Life

Legal Proceedings

Arrests and Initial Charges

Venezuelan Trials

Fugitives and Extradition

Consequences and Accountability

US Government Knowledge

Calls for Justice

Enduring Legacy

A Symbol of State-Sponsored Terror

Continued Pursuit of Accountability

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice