Fidel Castro's
key dates 1926: Born in the south - eastern Oriente Province of Cuba 1953: Imprisoned after leading an unsuccessful rising against Batista's regime 1955: Released from prison under an amnesty deal 1956: With Che Guevara, begins a guerrilla war against the government 1959: Defeats Batista, sworn in as prime
minister of Cuba 1960: Fights off CIA - sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles 1962: Sparks Cuban missile crisis by agreeing that USSR can
deploy nuclear missiles in Cuba 1976: Elected president by Cuba's National Assembly 1992: Reaches an agreement with US over Cuban refugees 2008: Stands down as president of Cuba due to health issues