The covert operation by the United States to overthrow the Cuban government in 1961 was known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion. This operation aimed to facilitate a coup against Fidel Castro, who had established a communist regime in Cuba. US-backed Cuban exiles were trained to launch the invasion, but the mission was poorly executed, leading to a definitive defeat. The operation intensified Cold War tensions and reinforced Castro's position in Cuba, showcasing a failure of US foreign policy in Latin America.