บท 402: Chapter 402: The End of the American Playground
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Matanzas.
Once a quaint Cuban city, Varadero Beach is renowned for being one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Its allure attracts many American tourists each year.
Located about 100 kilometers from Havana, and closer to Miami than to the Cuban capital, Varadero Beach was strategically chosen by Basini for his casino. Its distance from Havana helped shield it from political upheaval, while its scenic charm drew customers.
Basini's choice proved astute. Since opening, the casino has seen a surge in visitors and significantly boosted the local tourism economy. The city's officials, appreciative of the revenue generated, were eager to show their support for Basini, who had become the town's undisputed king.
One day, a 100-ton fishing boat, followed by three smaller fishing boats, approached the casino's private dock. This dock, built specifically for the casino, often hosted cruise ships ferrying tourists from Miami.
However, today's arrivals were not ordinary. Hundreds of armed men disembarked from the boats, their faces covered with cloth towels. The dock workers were taken aback by the sight.
The armed men quickly advanced toward the casino, situated just a thousand meters away. Security personnel, startled by the armed intrusion, attempted to intervene but were swiftly silenced by gunfire.
The attackers stormed into the casino, disregarding the terrified gamblers who dropped to the ground. A fierce firefight erupted as the invaders overpowered the casino's security and located a substantial sum of cash in the vault—around three to four million dollars. They swiftly loaded the money onto the casino's vehicles and transported it to the dock.
American gamblers, now at the mercy of their captors, were forced to gather their valuables at gunpoint. Their wallets, watches, and jewelry were collected in bags. Meanwhile, soldiers pried gold stars from the casino's walls.
A leader among the attackers addressed the crowd: "We are the Cuban Rebel Army. Our mission is to overthrow the corrupt dictatorship of Batista and eliminate the capitalist exploitation that plagues Cuba. This casino, a den of vice and crime, must be eradicated. Spread the word that the Cuban rebels have begun their fight. Batista will fall, and the Cuban people will be freed from exploitation."
He then dismissed the gamblers and staff, allowing them to leave. Shortly thereafter, explosives and gasoline were set up, and the casino was left in ruins.
The casino's explosion was massive, sending a plume of fire and smoke high into the sky. The gamblers who had managed to escape were left in shock, many collapsing in fear. The destruction of the casino was a stark reminder of the insurgents' power and resolve.
The Cuban Rebel Army's operation was a success. They secured much-needed funds and made a dramatic statement to the world. With over 4.2 million dollars and additional valuables in their possession, they were well-positioned to further their cause.
News of the bombing quickly reached the United States. Major newspapers reported on the attack, highlighting that Cuba, a beloved destination for American tourists and investors, had become a hotspot of violence.
Basini, who had invested heavily in the casino, was devastated. The loss of his $100 million investment and two years of hard work left him in despair. The destruction was total, leaving him no hope of recovery.
Basini received numerous calls from concerned mafia leaders, all expressing shock and dismay. The scale of the loss and the audacity of the attack were unprecedented.
As the Cuban insurgents continued their campaign, capturing Santiago and growing their ranks to over 3,000, the news reverberated throughout the U.S. The Cuban Rebels and their leader, Castro, became prominent figures in the media.
Santiago, the second-largest city in Cuba, was now a focal point of the rebellion. The freighter arrivals at the port, delivering weapons and ammunition, signaled an escalation in the conflict.
With the ongoing violence, Cuba's status as the American playground was over. The once-thriving destination for tourists and investors was now a war zone. Basini's casino, along with the hopes of many others, was a casualty of this upheaval.
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