Cuba Claims Armed Infiltration Attempt Foiled, Four Killed in Shootout

Cuban authorities say they killed four Cuban nationals residing in the United States and injured six others after a shootout off the coast of Cuba. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved a U.S.-registered speedboat that Cuban officials allege was attempting an armed infiltration of the island.

Details of the Incident

According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, the Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters approximately one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones. The ministry claims the ten individuals on board were armed and intended to carry out a “foiled armed infiltration” for terrorist purposes . Cuban border guard troops engaged in a gunfight with those on the boat, resulting in four deaths and injuries to six individuals on the vessel, as well as one Cuban border guard commander .

Weapons and Equipment Seized

Cuban officials reported seizing a variety of weapons and equipment from the speedboat, including assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices (Molotov cocktails), bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms .

U.S. Response and Investigation

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. Would conduct an independent investigation into the incident, describing the shootout as “highly unusual” . Both the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard are involved in the investigation . Rubio indicated that the U.S. Is working to determine if the individuals involved were American citizens or permanent residents .

Cuban Government’s Stance

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel affirmed Cuba’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and national stability against any “terrorist and mercenary aggression” . Cuban authorities have identified the individuals involved as Cuban nationals residing in the United States, some of whom allegedly have prior criminal records .

Increased Tensions

This incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S. And Cuba, following recent U.S. Actions involving Venezuela and its relationship with Cuba .