Cuba’s coast guard shot dead four people and injured six others after intercepting a US-flagged speedboat near the island’s northern coast, the Cuban Interior Ministry said Wednesday.
Authorities reported that the vessel was detected about one nautical mile from Cayos Falcones in Villa Clara province. According to the ministry, the speedboat fired at the Cuban patrol vessel first, injuring its commander, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
The Interior Ministry stated that four individuals on board were killed and six others wounded during the clash. The injured were evacuated and received medical treatment. Officials reiterated that Cuba remains committed to protecting its territorial waters.
The Cuban government later said the ten people aboard the Florida-registered boat were armed Cuban nationals living in the United States who were allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island to carry out acts of terrorism.
In Washington, Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez called for an immediate investigation and urged US authorities to determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to coordinate with federal and state law enforcement agencies to begin an inquiry.
US Vice President JD Vance said the administration was monitoring the situation, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that US officials were gathering information to verify the details of the shooting and the legal status of those involved. Rubio said the United States would not rely solely on Cuba’s account and would respond after establishing the full facts.
The incident unfolds amid heightened US-Cuba tensions, including US measures restricting Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. While Washington has allowed the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba if it benefits the private sector rather than the government, broader political and economic strains persist.
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