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How US Tried to Whack Castro

CIA devised creative means to remove Cuban president

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 21, 2008 2:09 PM CST
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(Newser) – Despite several assassination attempts against Fidel Castro, the Cuban president stepped down Tuesday on his own terms. The CIA came up with at least eight sometimes-kooky ways to oust the leader, CNN reports, most of which were not carried out:

  • Chemical attack on the air of his radio station.
  • Cigars treated to cause disorientation or his beard to fall out.

  • Thallium salt, used as a depilatory, placed in his shoes so he'd lose his beard.
  • Poison pills to be delivered to a Havana restaurant Castro frequented.
  • Poison pills, again, delivered through the Cuban mafia post-Bay of Pigs.
  • A fungus-infested skin-diving suit to produce tuberculosis and skin disease.
  • Booby-trapped mollusks at his favorite beach.
  • Assassination by a disenchanted member of Castro's inner circle.

A painting of Cuban leader Fidel Castro remains on a school wall in Havana. The president resigned Tuesday because of health conditions.
A painting of Cuban leader Fidel Castro remains on a school wall in Havana. The president resigned Tuesday because of health conditions.   (Associated Press)
Raul Castro, left, stands next to his brother and then rebel leader Fidel Castro, bottom, and an unidentified fighter, in this file photo. The CIA made repeated attempts to kill the former Cuban president.
Raul Castro, left, stands next to his brother and then rebel leader Fidel Castro, bottom, and an unidentified fighter, in this file photo. The CIA made repeated attempts to kill the former Cuban president.   (Associated Press)
Cuba's President Fidel Castro gestures at the government palace in Quito in this file photo. Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president early Tuesday, after nearly a half-century in power.
Cuba's President Fidel Castro gestures at the government palace in Quito in this file photo. Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president early Tuesday, after nearly a half-century in power.   (Associated Press)
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Impact of Castro's resignation
CNN

Archival articles on Castro
New York Times

Castro survived 638 assassination attempts
Guardian (UK)

 
CIA • Lyndon Johnson • Fidel Castro • Cuba • John F. Kennedy • list • assassination attempt • James Donovan

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