Cuba Says Armed Group on US-Registered Speedboat Planned Violent Infiltration
The Cuban government has accused a group aboard a US-registered speedboat of planning an armed infiltration with terrorist intent after the vessel entered Cuban territorial waters.
According to officials, the boat was intercepted about one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones, along Cuba’s northern coastline. Cuban border guards said a firefight broke out after those on board allegedly opened fire first.
Four people were shot dead during the incident, while six others were injured. Cuban authorities also confirmed that a commander from their patrol team was wounded in the exchange.
Officials stated that all ten people on the boat were Cuban nationals who live in the United States. An additional suspect was later arrested on land and reportedly confessed to being part of the operation.
Weapons recovered from the speedboat reportedly included handguns, assault rifles, improvised explosive devices, and other tactical equipment. Authorities also claimed that most of those involved had past records linked to criminal or violent activity.
The speedboat was said to be registered in Florida, though ownership and tracking details remain unclear.
Reacting to the incident, Marco Rubio said the situation was highly unusual and that the United States was conducting its own investigation. He stressed that Washington would independently verify what happened and would not rely solely on information from Havana.
Rubio also confirmed that no US government personnel were on the boat at the time of the incident.
The shooting has further strained already tense relations between Cuba and the United States, which have worsened in recent months.
Tensions escalated after US forces seized Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Cuba, and disrupted oil supplies to the island. Fuel shortages have since deepened economic hardship across Cuba.
US President Donald Trump recently warned Cuba to negotiate or face consequences, while also announcing restrictions on oil deliveries to the country. However, US authorities later said limited private oil transactions would be allowed for humanitarian and commercial purposes.
Cuban officials said the interception reflects their determination to protect national sovereignty and secure their territorial waters amid growing regional pressure.
