Cuban Forces Kill Four on US-Registered Speedboat in Alleged Terror Plot
Cuba's interior ministry has announced that its border patrol forces shot and killed four Cuban nationals aboard a US-registered speedboat that entered its territorial waters. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, February 26, 2026, also resulted in injuries to six other individuals on the speedboat and the commander of the Cuban patrol vessel.
Details of the Confrontation
According to the Cuban government, the Florida-registered speedboat ventured within one nautical mile of Falcones Cay on Cuba's north coast. It was approached by five members of a Cuban patrol unit. The ministry stated that the crew of the speedboat opened fire, wounding the Cuban vessel's commander, prompting a retaliatory response from Cuban forces.
The injured individuals, including the six from the speedboat and the Cuban commander, were evacuated and are receiving medical attention. The ministry identified one of the deceased and is working to identify the remaining three.
Allegations of Terrorism
Cuba's interior ministry claims that all ten passengers on the speedboat were Cuban nationals living in the United States. Preliminary statements from those detained indicate they "intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes." The ministry further alleged that the passengers were armed and that most have a known history of criminal and violent activity.
Two of the six detained individuals are wanted by Cuban authorities for their alleged involvement in promoting, planning, organizing, financing, supporting, or committing terrorist actions within Cuba or other countries.
US Response and Investigations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that no US government personnel were involved in the incident. He emphasized that the US would gather its own information to determine exactly what transpired. Rubio stated that efforts would be made to ascertain if those involved were US citizens or permanent residents, but he refrained from speculating on the boat's ownership or the motives behind the incident.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced he is ordering prosecutors to open a separate investigation in collaboration with state and federal law enforcement partners. He expressed distrust of the Cuban government, vowing to hold "these communists accountable."
Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-American former mayor of Miami, called for an "urgent" investigation into what he described as a "massacre."
Broader Context of US-Cuba Relations
This incident occurs during a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, exacerbated by increased pressure from the previous Trump administration. Historically, the two nations cooperated on combating drug smuggling and other crimes, but such collaboration has ceased.
The US has also imposed a near-total blockade on oil shipments to Cuba, intensifying pressure on its Communist-led government. Cuba's interior ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, stating that national defense is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding sovereignty and regional stability.
