An armoured train, sent by Batista to reinforce supplies of ammunition, weapons, and other equipment, traveled to the foot of the hill of Capiro, northeast of the city, establishing a command post there.

In the city itself, a series of skirmishes were taking place between government forces and the second rebel column, led by Rolando Cubela, with the assistance of civilians providing Molotov cocktails.

Guevara, who viewed the capture of the armoured train as a priority, successfully mobilized the tractors of the school of Agronomy at the university to raise the rails of the railway.

The train contained a considerable amount of weaponry, a huge bonus to revolutionary forces, which would become a basis for the further attack in the hands of both the rebels and supportive peasants.

Despite the next day's newspapers hailing Batista's "victory" at Santa Clara, contrary broadcasts from Castro's rebel forces accelerated the succession of army surrenders.