Four individuals have been confirmed dead following a violent shootout involving a speedboat registered in Florida and Cuban border guard forces. The incident occurred on the morning of February 25, 2026, after the vessel entered Cuban waters near Cayo Falcones, a location in the Caribbean island's Villa Clara province.
Details of the Confrontation
According to Cuban authorities, the speedboat, identified with registration number FL7726SH, approached within one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel. A surface unit of the Border Guard Troops, comprising five service members, moved to intercept the vessel for identification purposes.
At that point, the crew of the speedboat allegedly opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. In response, the border guards returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on the foreign boat and injuries to six others.
Official Statements and Response
A spokesperson from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior provided a detailed account, stating, "When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel."
The spokesperson added, "As a consequence of the confrontation, as of the time of this report, four aggressors on the foreign vessel were killed and six were injured. The injured individuals were evacuated and received medical assistance."
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
Cuban officials emphasized their commitment to protecting territorial integrity, with the spokesperson noting, "In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region."
Investigations by competent authorities are ongoing to fully clarify the events surrounding this incident. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in regional maritime security and border enforcement efforts.
