Cuban Coast Guard Kills Four in Exchange of Fire with US-Registered Speedboat
The Cuban coast guard reportedly killed four individuals and injured six others in an exchange of gunfire with a US-registered speedboat that had entered Cuban waters illegally. The incident occurred near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province, approximately one nautical mile from the Cuban shore, according to the Cuban Interior Ministry.
Background and Context
The speedboat, registered in Florida, was part of a flotilla intending to transport citizens off the island. According to Cuban officials, the vessel was approached by the coast guard for identification, at which point the individuals on the speedboat allegedly opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. The Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in the casualties.
The Cuban Interior Ministry later stated that the boat carried 10 armed men, whom they referred to as terrorist infiltrators.
Tactical gear, assault rifles, and improvised explosives were reportedly found aboard the vessel.
Key Developments
As the situation continues to develop, conflicting narratives have emerged. According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, the speedboat opened fire first. However, this claim is currently under investigation by the State of Florida, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stating, The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Uthmeier announced that his office had launched a full investigation into the incident, adding that Havana is not an honest neighbor. I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation,
he said.
International Reactions and Implications
This incident comes amidst a period of heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, particularly due to a current oil embargo that has led to an energy and humanitarian crisis on the island. It also adds another point of contention between the two nations, as the US Coast Guard has refrained from commenting on the incident.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any American government involvement in the incident, describing it as very unusual
. He emphasized that the vessel did not belong to either the US Navy or the US Coast Guard. Let’s have our own information on this, and we will find out exactly what happened,
Rubio said, indicating that the US officials were still gathering information and would avoid speculation until reviewing independent data.
Current Status
As of now, the incident remains under investigation. The injured individuals, including the Cuban commander and the six wounded from the speedboat, have been evacuated for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, awaiting the results of the investigations and their potential implications on the already strained Cuba-US relations.