Cuban Coast Guard Kills Four on Speedboat from Florida

Havana, Cuba – Cuban border troops killed four people aboard a speedboat that allegedly entered Cuban waters from Florida, according to a statement released by Cuba’s Interior Ministry on Wednesday. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row, with U.S. Officials seeking more information and raising concerns about the employ of lethal force.

Details of the Incident

The Florida-registered speedboat was located approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones. Cuban authorities claim the vessel was carrying weapons, including assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, and camouflage uniforms. The ministry alleges the ten individuals on board, all identified as Cuban nationals residing in the U.S., were attempting an “infiltration for terrorist purposes.”

According to the Cuban government, a confrontation began when border guard troops approached the boat for identification, and those on board opened fire. One Cuban officer was injured in the exchange. Four people on the speedboat were killed, and six others were injured and received medical attention.

Identified Individuals

Cuba’s Interior Ministry has identified those killed and arrested. Michel Ortega Casanova was among those killed. Those arrested include Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. A seventh individual, Duniel Hernández Santos, was arrested on Cuban soil and accused of being sent from the U.S. To facilitate the group’s arrival.

U.S. Response and Investigation

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. Government is gathering information to determine if any of the individuals involved were U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents. “We have various different elements of the U.S. Government that are trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now,” Rubio said while in St. Kitts. AP News

Vice President JD Vance indicated the White House is monitoring the situation closely. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has ordered state prosecutors to investigate, working with federal and state law enforcement partners. CBS News

Several U.S. Representatives have reacted to the incident. Rep. María Elvira Salazar is closely monitoring reports, while Rep. Carlos Giménez called the event a “massacre” and demanded a full investigation. Rep. Adriano Espaillat stated the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is seeking more detailed information.

Escalating Tensions

This incident occurs amid escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba, stemming from previous sanctions and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration following operations related to Venezuela. The New York Times

Ongoing Investigation

The Cuban government maintains its commitment to protecting its territorial waters. The U.S. Investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to verify the details of the incident and the identities of those involved. Politico