Cuba Claims Foiled Infiltration Attempt by US-Based Group, Sparking Tensions with Washington
Cuban authorities say its forces killed four people and detained six others after intercepting a Florida-registered speedboat allegedly carrying Cuban nationals attempting to infiltrate the island. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday off the northern coast of Cuba near Cayo Falcones, has heightened tensions between Havana and Washington, with both countries launching investigations.
Details of the Incident
According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters and was intercepted by border guards. A firefight ensued after passengers on the boat allegedly opened fire first, wounding a Cuban officer . Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries among those on board.
Cuban officials have identified the passengers as Cuban nationals residing in the United States, claiming they were armed with assault rifles, handguns, and Molotov cocktails . The Cuban government alleges the group intended to carry out a “terrorist” infiltration .
Authorities have named several individuals believed to be involved, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who are reportedly wanted in Cuba for alleged terrorist activities . Duniel Hernández Santos was also arrested and reportedly confessed to coordinating the reception of the group . Roberto Azcorra Consuegra was initially misidentified as being on board but was later confirmed not to have been present .
US Response and Investigation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is investigating the incident, seeking to verify the information provided by Cuba and determine the citizenship status of those involved . He emphasized that the incident is “highly unusual” and that the US is gathering its own information . The US Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard are also involved in the investigation .
At least one US citizen was killed in the incident, and another was injured, according to two US officials . Other passengers may be US legal permanent residents or have been traveling on K-1 visas .
Cuban Government’s Stance
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty against any “terrorist and mercenary aggression” . Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío indicated a “willingness” to cooperate with the US in clarifying the events .
The Cuban government identified Michel Ortega Casanova as one of those killed . His brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, expressed grief over his death but acknowledged his brother’s “obsessive” pursuit of Cuban freedom . Misael Ortega Casanova stated his brother was an American citizen and had lived in the US for over 20 years .
Escalating Tensions
This incident occurs amid increasing tensions between the US and Cuba, particularly following the recent political shifts in Venezuela and the US imposition of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba . Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has pledged to hold Cuba accountable and launched a state-level investigation .