A vessel sailing under the United States flag entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on border guards, resulting in multiple casualties.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Reuters, that the armed confrontation has left four people dead and six others wounded.
According to the Cuban Ministry of Interior, the group departed from the US state of Florida and consisted of Cuban nationals opposed to the government. Some members of the group were reportedly already on wanted lists for previously planning terrorist acts. Official reports indicate the individuals arrived from the US wearing camouflage uniforms and were armed with rifles, pistols, and improvised explosive devices.
Another Cuban suspect has been detained in connection with the incident. "According to the initial testimony of the detainees, they intended to enter the country for terrorist purposes," the Ministry stated in an official announcement. The wounded, including a commander of the Cuban patrol service, have been evacuated and provided with medical assistance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the incident had no connection to the American government. He noted that while Cuban authorities informed the US about the incident, the US Embassy in Havana will seek to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
"We will obtain our own information to understand what actually happened. There are many possibilities," Rubio stated, emphasizing that such an incident on the high seas is highly unusual.
This incident occurs during a period of heightened regional scrutiny following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January 2025. Relations between Washington and Havana have historically been characterized by tension, involving decades of economic sanctions and diplomatic friction. Such maritime incursions often complicate ongoing efforts to manage migration and security protocols in the Florida Straits, a critical corridor for regional stability.
