Operation Limpieza Explained

Conflict:Operation Limpieza
Place:northern Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Partof:Dominican Civil War
Date:13 May - 21 May, 1965
Result:Constitutionalist Victory
  • Successfully silencing Radio Santo Domingo
Combatant1: Dominican Republic (Constitutionalist faction)
Combatant2: Dominican Republic (Loyalist faction)
Strength1:1,000 Regulars
16 Tanks
Strength2:unknown
Commander1:Col. Antonio Imbert Barrera
Commander2:unknown
Casualties1:Heavy losses (Constitutionalist faction)

Operation Limpieza took place during the Dominican Civil War in May 1965. The objective of the operation was to eliminate rebel resistance in the northern part of Santo Domingo.[1] Operation Limpieza (Cleanup) involved 16 tanks and over 1,000 troops of the military junta.

The offensive began on 13 May. The attacking infantry was well equipped with mortars, bazookas, and 37 mm cannons, while the defending civilians were armed with nothing heavier than machine guns. However, the rebels inflicted heavy losses on the junta troops.[1] Nonetheless, junta troops were successful in eliminating pockets of rebel resistance in the northern part of the capital and in silencing Radio Santo Domingo. Operation Limpieza ended on 21 May.

The operation resulted in the wholesale destruction of many city blocks.[1] Junta troops massacred many black civilians as part of their Limpieza campaign.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: De La Pedraja. René. Wars of Latin America, 1948-1982: The Rise of the Guerrillas. 2013-04-15. McFarland. 153–55.