Deadly Exchange of Fire Off Cuban Coast Escalates US-Havana Tensions
Cuba's coastguard reported on Thursday that it had engaged in a lethal confrontation with a US-registered speedboat, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries. The incident occurred near Cayo Falcones island, approximately one nautical mile off Cuba's northern coast, shortly after 2pm ET on Wednesday. According to Havana's interior ministry, the coastguard approached the vessel to identify its passengers when shots were fired from the boat, wounding the captain of the Cuban ship. The injured were promptly evacuated and received medical assistance.
Details of the Incident and Detainees
The Cuban government asserted that the speedboat, bearing the Florida registration number FL7726SH, was carrying ten individuals, most of whom have a documented history of criminal and violent activities. Among those detained are Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Cuba claims that González and Gómez were previously wanted on suspicion of planning terrorist acts within the country.
In addition, Duniel Hernández Santos was apprehended on Cuban territory, allegedly having traveled from the United States to receive the infiltrators. Michel Ortega Casanova was identified as one of the deceased in the firefight, with the remaining three victims yet to be named.
Cuban and US Government Responses
Cuba's interior ministry released statements emphasizing that the coastguard acted to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure regional stability. Preliminary investigations suggest the group was armed with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests, and telescopic sights, with intentions to carry out terrorist activities upon infiltration.
On the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Washington is conducting its own investigation into the shootout, describing the event as highly unusual. He clarified that it was not a US government operation and stated that conclusions would not be based solely on Cuban accounts. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier pledged local authorities' support for federal investigations, expressing distrust toward the Cuban government.
Background of Heightened US-Cuba Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating strains between the two nations, primarily driven by economic pressures. Cuba's economy has been severely impacted by a US oil blockade, which has persisted for over a month. Prior to the seizure of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, Cuba depended on Venezuela for approximately half of its fuel supply, raising concerns among Caribbean leaders about potential economic collapse affecting 9.6 million Cubans.
In a related development, just hours before the boat shooting, Washington agreed to ease oil restrictions on Cuba, permitting shipments of Venezuelan oil for commercial and humanitarian purposes through private entities, rather than government or military channels.
