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Cuban missile crisis: 13 days when nuclear war threatened
Sixty years ago the Cuban missile crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Here is a look at how the standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union unfolded:
– Missiles deployed –
On May 21, 1962, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev decides to place medium- and intermediate-range nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba, Moscow’s communist ally in the Caribbean.
He justifies the decision by the fact that Cold War rival the United States could deploy nuclear weapons from NATO member Turkey, which bordered the then Soviet Union.
On September 4, US President John F. Kennedy warns that the “gravest consequences” will follow if significant Soviet offensive weapons are introduced into Cuba.
On October 14, a US U2 spy plane confirms that Soviet missiles were being deployed on Cuba, a mere 145 kilometres (90 miles) from the coast of Florida, and therefore within striking range of northeastern cities.
– 13-day crisis –
For 13 days a terrifying game of geo-political poker pits the young Kennedy against the fiery Khrushchev.
On October 16, Kennedy is briefed on a spy plane’s high-resolution photos. He weighs whether to order a naval blockade or an invasion.
The next day US military units begin moving to bases in the southeastern United States as intelligence photos from another U-2 flight show additional sites, and 16 to 32 missiles.
– Cuba under ‘quarantine’ –
On October 22 Kennedy writes to Khrushchev.
“I have not assumed that you or any other sane man would in this nuclear age, deliberately plunge the world into war which it is crystal clear no country could win and which could only result in catastrophic consequences to the whole world, including the aggressor,” he writes.
That evening he speaks on television and announces the establishment of a naval “quarantine” or blockade around Cuba and orders preparations for a landing on the island.
The Organization of American States backs Washington.
The next day ships of the naval quarantine fleet move into place around Cuba.
Four nuclear-armed Soviet submarines move into the Caribbean.
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Soviet freighters bound for Cuba with military supplies freeze their positions.
Khrushchev protests in a letter to Kennedy “You are no longer appealing to reason, but wish to intimidate us.”
The military of the Soviet Union and its eastern bloc allies are put on alert.
On October 26, Cuban leader Fidel Castro urges Khrushchev to initiate a nuclear first strike against the United States in the event of a US invasion of Cuba.
In a letter to Kennedy, Khrushchev proposes removing Soviet missiles and personnel if the United States guarantees not to invade Cuba.
– Spy plane shot down –
The next day a US U-2 spy plane is shot down over Cuba, killing its pilot, Rudolph Anderson, who becomes the sole fatality of the crisis.
Kennedy receives a new letter from Khrushchev demanding the removal of US missiles in Turkey in exchange for the removal of the Soviet missiles. Kennedy promises not to invade Cuba and to lift the blockade if the missiles are removed.
On October 28, Khrushchev backs down, agreeing to dismantle the installations and return the missiles to the Soviet Union, ending the crisis.
In an additional secret agreement, the United States agrees to eventually remove its Jupiter missiles from Turkey.
On November 20 Kennedy lifts the Cuba blockade.
– The aftermath –
The next year a “hotline” is set to link the US and Soviet leaders by telex. Up to then they had only communicated via their respective ambassadors.
Sixteen months earlier, in February 1962, following Cuba’s expropriations of US companies, Kennedy had imposed a strict economic and financial embargo on the island.
It would take another half a century for US President Barack Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro in December 2014 to announce the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde, his family and the people of Oyo State, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.
The president, in a condolence message issued on Monday, said that the loss of a loved one, especially a cherished elder brother, is a profound sorrow.
“In this time of mourning, I want you to know that I, along with many others, stand with you and your family.
“We pray for strength and comfort as you navigate this irreplaceable loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared and the impact he had on those around him.
“This moment reminds us of the importance of family, unity and love—values that your family has always exemplified and that we all hold dear.
“May these values strengthen you and your loved ones in this time of grief,” he said.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and for the Almighty to grant the governor and his family the strength to navigate this challenging time.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you are not alone in this period.
“You can count on my unwavering support and assistance during this difficult time,” the president said.
The Federal Government, through the Federal Civil Service Commission, has announced the commencement of recruitment into various positions within the Federal Civil Service.
In a statement on Monday by the FCSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, he disclosed that interested and eligible Nigerians can apply for the available positions through the commission’s official recruitment portal.
He stated that applicants are to apply for only one position.
The statement read, “The Federal Civil Service Commission is receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service. The vacancy announcement is published on the commission’s website: www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng and in national newspapers.
“Eligible applicants are to apply for only one position via the application link: https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng. Applicants who are physically challenged should state the nature of their disability.
“Applicants are to upload the following documents as applicable: I) Curriculum Vitae, II) Ph.D/Master’s Degree Certificate, III) Degree/HND/NCE Certificate, IV) WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Certificate, V) Primary School Certificate, VI) NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate, VII) Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age, VIII) Local Government Identification, IX) Recent Passport photograph.
“All applications are to be submitted on or before Monday, 10th March, 2025.”
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, has apprehended two persons over alleged theft of 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit.
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.
Abdullahi said that navy personnel apprehended the suspects at about 7.45p.m on Jan. 24, while on a routine patrol along the Mbo River area.
He said that during the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 Liters of petrol, carefully concealed under cargos such as bread, fruits and bags of cassava flakes among others.
He said that the intention of the suspects was to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun.
The commanding officer said that under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the FOB IBAKA would remain committed to fighting waterway crime.
Abdullahi said it would be impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the waterways and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“We shall continue to detect criminals and their activities within the nation’s waterways through the use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he said.
Receiving the suspects and Items, ASC Willie Emediong, said that the NSCDC would prosecute the suspects after thorough investigations on the matter.
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