Cuba Shoots Down U.S.-Registered Boat, Killing Four, Claiming Terrorist Plot
Cuban border guards shot and killed four people aboard a U.S.-registered speedboat Wednesday, claiming the passengers were armed Cuban nationals attempting an infiltration for “terrorist purposes.” The incident has sparked an investigation by the U.S. Government and raised tensions between the two nations.
Details of the Incident
According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the Florida-registered speedboat (FL7726SH) was detected near Cayo Falcones, in the Villa Clara province. When a Cuban coast guard vessel approached for identification, the occupants of the speedboat allegedly opened fire, wounding a Cuban officer. Cuban authorities state that in response, their forces fired back, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to six others.
Passengers Identified as Cuban Nationals
The Cuban government has identified the ten individuals on board as Cuban citizens residing in the United States. They allege that most of the passengers have prior criminal records and were armed with handguns, assault rifles and improvised explosive devices. The Associated Press reports that authorities have detained the six survivors and identified one of the deceased as Michel Ortega Casanova.
U.S. Investigation Underway
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. Is investigating the “highly unusual” incident and gathering information to determine the citizenship status of the victims. Axios reports that both the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard are involved in the investigation.
Rubio emphasized that the U.S. Will not rely solely on information provided by Cuban authorities and is working to independently verify the facts. He also noted that the incident is not believed to be a U.S. Government operation.
Conflicting Accounts and Concerns
Misael Ortega Casanova, brother of the deceased Michel Ortega Casanova, expressed grief over his brother’s death but suggested he was caught up in a “diabolical” quest for Cuban freedom. He stated his brother was an American citizen and truck driver who had lived in the U.S. For over 20 years.
The incident occurs amidst increased tensions between the U.S. And Cuba, particularly following the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the imposition of tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba by the Trump administration. Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier has also launched an investigation, stating the Cuban government “cannot be trusted.”
Alleged Terrorist Plot
Cuba’s Interior Ministry claims the group intended to “carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes.” They identified several individuals allegedly involved in planning and financing the operation, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who are reportedly wanted by Cuban authorities. Duniel Hernández Santos allegedly confessed to being part of the plot and facilitating the group’s arrival.