Cuban Border Guards Kill Four on U.S.-Registered Speedboat

A U.S.-registered speedboat carrying ten individuals was intercepted by Cuban border guards on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, resulting in a deadly shootout that left four people dead and six wounded. Cuban officials allege the group was attempting an armed infiltration of the island with “terrorist aims.”

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, on the country’s northern coast . A firefight ensued after those on board the vessel allegedly fired first. Cuban border guards returned fire, killing four and injuring six. The commander of the Cuban boat was similarly injured during the exchange .

Cuban authorities have identified all ten individuals as Cuban nationals residing in the United States . They also reported the arrest of an eleventh individual, Duniel Hernández Santos, who allegedly traveled from the U.S. To meet the group .

Weapons and Allegations

The Cuban Interior Ministry stated that the speedboat was carrying assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices (Molotov cocktails), bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms . The ministry alleges the group intended to carry out acts of sabotage and terrorism .

U.S. Response and Investigation

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is investigating the “highly unusual” incident . Rubio emphasized that the incident was not a U.S. Operation and that no U.S. Government personnel were involved . The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard are also investigating .

Historical Context and Tensions

This incident occurs amid increased tensions between Cuba and the United States. The shooting follows recent events, including U.S. Forces seizing Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and halting oil shipments to Cuba . The event also echoes historical instances of Cuban exiles attempting to infiltrate the island, dating back to the early 1960s and the Bay of Pigs invasion .

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has vowed to defend Cuba’s sovereignty against any “terrorist and mercenary aggression” .