Cuban Border Guards Fire on US-Registered Boat Near Coast

Cuban border guards opened fire on a boat registered in the United States after it approached the country's territorial waters. According to Cuban authorities, the crew of the vessel fired first, wounding the commander of a border patrol ship, which then prompted return fire.

The incident occurred near Cayo Falcones island in the province of Villa Clara. Officials stated that the boat bore Florida registration numbers; Florida lies approximately 145 kilometers from Cuba. The identities of those killed and their purpose for being in those waters have not yet been disclosed. An investigation is ongoing.

This is not an isolated event, as Cuban services have previously reported armed clashes with vessels arriving from U.S. Territory. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Havana and Washington.

Relations between the two nations have deteriorated sharply in recent months. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized a military operation against then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was brought to the United States for trial. Following this, statements emerged from within the U.S. Administration hinting at potential changes regarding Cuba.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuban authorities should have cause for concern. Trump himself remarked that "Cuba looks like it's ready to collapse."

Subsequently, Washington announced an end to Venezuelan oil supplies and financial support for Cuba. On January 29th, the U.S. Imposed an oil blockade on the island and threatened sanctions against its trading partners.

In one executive order, Trump labeled Cuba an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States, citing its ties with Iran, China, and Russia. He claimed Havana supports countries and structures hostile to Washington.