Cuban authorities have reported a deadly shooting involving a Florida-registered speedboat in their territorial waters. The incident occurred when ten armed passengers aboard the boat allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers, prompting a response from law enforcement. The Cuban government stated that four individuals were killed, while six others sustained injuries, one being a Cuban officer.
Cuban Officials Report Fatal Shootout with U.S.-Registered Boat
The Cuban government claims that the boat’s occupants are U.S.-based Cubans with histories of violent activities. These individuals were allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island to incite terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. is investigating the event to determine if any victims were American citizens or lawful residents.
Incident Overview
- Date: Recent Wednesday
- Location: 1.6 kilometers northeast of Cayo Falcones, Cuba
- Killed: 4 individuals identified
- Injured: 6, including a Cuban officer
Cuban officials have identified two passengers, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, as being wanted for terrorism-related activities. Additional arrests were made, including Duniel Hernández Santos, who allegedly was tasked from the U.S. to facilitate the infiltration.
Response from U.S. Officials
Rubio characterized the incident as “highly unusual,” noting that such maritime shootouts are rare. He emphasized the necessity of verifying the facts independently from the information provided by Cuban authorities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard are actively investigating the incident.
Cuban Government’s Position
The Cuban government maintains that it acted to protect its sovereignty. A statement was issued indicating ongoing investigations to clarify all circumstances surrounding the events. It has also labeled the passengers as individuals with known violent records.
Potential Impact on U.S.-Cuba Relations
This event threatens to escalate tensions between the United States and Cuba. The U.S. has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy towards Cuba, especially in light of recent geopolitical shifts involving Venezuela.
Conclusion
The shooting incident underscores the fragile state of U.S.-Cuba relations and the complexities involved in maritime interactions. As investigations continue, both nations remain on alert for potential repercussions stemming from this confrontation.
