Four Killed in Cuba Coast Guard Clash with Armed Florida Boat

A deadly firefight erupted between Cuban border guards and a civilian speedboat from Florida, resulting in four fatalities and seven injuries. The incident occurred in Cuban territorial waters near the island of Falcones Key, Villa Clara province, approximately 160 kilometers from Florida.

According to a statement from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, border patrol vessels approached the speedboat—registered in Florida as FL7726SH—for identification after it entered Cuban waters. The situation escalated when a passenger aboard the speedboat opened fire on the patrol boat, wounding its commander and prompting return fire from Cuban forces.

Cuban authorities stated that ten armed individuals were on board the vessel. Preliminary statements from detainees indicated their intention was to infiltrate Cuban territory for terrorist purposes. Six individuals from the speedboat were wounded and are receiving medical attention.

The Ministry further clarified that the passengers were Cubans residing in the United States. Weapons recovered from the boat included assault rifles, pistols, and Molotov cocktails. Two of the survivors were reportedly already wanted by Cuba on terrorism charges.

In response to the incident, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. Embassy in Havana is investigating. "We are going to find out exactly what happened here, and then we will take appropriate measures," Rubio stated.

This clash occurs amidst heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. Following recent military operations in Venezuela, U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Cuba of threatening U.S. National security and threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Havana.

Cuba faces a severe humanitarian crisis due to a U.S.-led blockade on oil supplies. In mid-February, Spain announced it would send food and medicine to the island, with Mexico also providing aid. The Cuban government has stated its readiness for unconditional talks with the United States.