Cuba – Four Killed in A US-Registered Boat in Their Waters

2026-02-26 - 15:06

Cuba has accused a group aboard a Florida-registered speedboat of attempting what it described as “an infiltration with terrorist aims” after a deadly confrontation off the island’s northern coast left four people dead. According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, border guards intercepted the vessel on Wednesday, approximately one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones, within Cuban territorial waters. Officials said an exchange of gunfire followed, during which Cuban forces shot and killed four individuals and wounded six others. Authorities allege that those aboard the boat opened fire first and that a Cuban officer was injured in the incident. The ministry stated that all 10 people on the speedboat were Cuban nationals residing in the United States. An 11th individual was reportedly detained separately and allegedly confessed to involvement in the suspected plot. Cuban officials added that several of the detainees had prior criminal records involving violent offenses. Weapons recovered from the vessel included handguns, assault rifles and what authorities described as improvised explosive devices, along with tactical equipment. The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions between Havana and Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the incident “highly unusual” and said the United States would conduct its own independent investigation rather than rely solely on information provided by Cuban authorities. He confirmed that the intercepted vessel was not carrying U.S. government personnel. Rubio made the remarks while in Saint Kitts and Nevis for meetings with Caribbean leaders, part of broader regional discussions taking place as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Cuba’s government. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated sharply in recent months, particularly following a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the subsequent tightening of oil restrictions affecting Cuba. Washington has blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to the island and threatened penalties on other nations supplying fuel, worsening Cuba’s long-standing energy shortages. On Wednesday, however, the U.S. Treasury signaled limited relief measures, saying it would ease certain small private-sector transactions — including some oil sales — for commercial and humanitarian purposes aimed at supporting the Cuban people. The shooting also evokes memories of a 1996 incident in which Cuban fighter jets downed two civilian planes operated by the Miami-based group Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people and triggering international condemnation. In its statement, Cuba’s Interior Ministry said the country remains determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial waters, particularly “in the face of current challenges.” Washington has indicated it will continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the clash as part of its ongoing investigation.