Four people were killed after Cuban border forces confronted a US-registered speedboat near the country’s northern coastline, according to an official government statement.
Cuban authorities said the incident occurred when border guards approached a Florida-registered speedboat detected near an island off Villa Clara province. Officials stated that the vessel was carrying Cuban nationals living in the United States. When the coast guard attempted to identify the boat, those on board allegedly opened fire, wounding a Cuban commander and triggering a confrontation.
According to the interior ministry, four passengers on the speedboat were killed and six others were injured. The wounded individuals were given medical assistance and later detained. Authorities said weapons including handguns, assault rifles, improvised explosive devices, and tactical equipment were recovered from the vessel. An additional person was arrested separately and is accused of being involved in the alleged plan.
The ministry claimed the group intended to carry out an armed infiltration and said several of those involved had previous criminal records. The incident was described as a violation of Cuban territorial waters, with officials stressing their intention to protect national sovereignty.
The United States confirmed that the boat was not carrying government personnel and said it is conducting its own investigation. Marco Rubio described the confrontation as unusual and said US authorities would independently verify what occurred. He added that investigators and coast guard resources had been sent to the area to gather facts.
The shooting has drawn attention from lawmakers in Florida, with calls for further investigation as tensions between Cuba and the United States remain strained.
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