Cuban authorities have pledged to confront what they characterize as terrorist and mercenary aggression originating from abroad, following a lethal maritime confrontation involving a Florida-registered speedboat. The incident, which resulted in multiple casualties, has intensified existing diplomatic strains between Havana and Washington.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned Wednesday’s events as a deliberate infiltration attempt, asserting that Cuba would respond with resolute determination to protect its national sovereignty and stability. According to official statements from the Interior Ministry, Cuban coast guard vessels engaged the speedboat after sustaining gunfire near the island’s northern coastline.
The ministry reported four fatalities and six injuries among the assailants, identifying all individuals aboard as Cuban expatriates residing in the United States. Survivors have been detained and face accusations of planning terrorist activities, with authorities seizing an arsenal including assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, and specialized military equipment during the operation.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied Washington’s involvement in the incident, committing to appropriate response measures following thorough investigation. Concurrently, Florida’s attorney general has initiated an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
This confrontation occurs against the backdrop of escalating economic pressure on Cuba, exacerbated by the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies following the Trump administration’s intervention in Caracas. The Caribbean nation, which previously relied on Venezuela for approximately half its fuel requirements, has recently received humanitarian assistance from both Mexico and Canada to alleviate economic distress.
The U.S. Treasury Department has stipulated that any Venezuelan oil shipments must channel through private enterprises rather than Cuban government entities, maintaining economic pressure while permitting limited commercial and humanitarian oil transfers.