A deadly exchange of fire off Cuba’s northern coast has left four people dead and six others injured, heightening tensions between Havana and Washington. Cuban authorities say the incident involved a US-registered speedboat carrying armed exiles attempting to infiltrate the island.
What happened in the Cuba boat shooting?
Cuba’s interior ministry reported that its coastguard engaged the speedboat near Cayo Falcones island, approximately one nautical mile from shore, after attempting to identify its passengers. Shots were fired from the boat, injuring the captain of the Cuban vessel. The injured were evacuated and received medical treatment.
Who was involved?
Cuban authorities said the ten passengers were US-based Cubans, some previously wanted for planning terrorist acts. Four people were killed, including Michel Ortega Casanova, while six were wounded. Authorities also detained Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Another Cuban, Duniel Hernández Santos, was detained onshore, allegedly to meet the infiltrators. Three of the dead have not yet been identified.
Cuba’s perspective
The Cuban government said the speedboat bore Florida registration number FL7726SH and claimed the passengers were armed with assault rifles, handguns, ballistic vests, homemade explosives, and telescopic sights. Havana stated the group intended to carry out terrorist acts and asserted that the coastguard action was necessary to safeguard sovereignty and regional stability.
US response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was gathering its own information, emphasising the incident was not a US government operation. He described the open-sea shootout as “highly unusual” and confirmed that Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard are investigating.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said local authorities would assist federal agencies, warning that Cuba “cannot be trusted” and promising accountability.
Context of rising tensions
US-Cuba tensions are particularly high due to a US oil blockade that has strained Cuba’s economy. Prior to January 3, Cuba relied on Venezuela for roughly half its fuel supply. The US recently agreed to ease restrictions to allow Venezuelan oil shipments for commercial and humanitarian use, though exports must avoid Cuba’s government or military channels.
The Cuba boat shooting highlights ongoing friction in US-Cuba relations, with both countries investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
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