Cuban authorities have confirmed that four Cuban nationals residing in the United States were killed after their speedboat allegedly entered Cuba’s territorial waters in what Havana described as a failed armed infiltration attempt.
According to a statement released by Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the incident occurred on Wednesday when a Florida-registered speedboat carrying 10 armed individuals approached the island’s northern coastline. Officials claimed the group intended to carry out what they termed a “terrorist infiltration.”
Cuban military forces reportedly intercepted the vessel approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel. Authorities stated that when border guards moved in to identify the occupants, the crew of the approaching boat opened fire first, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol unit. Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four people on board.
Six other passengers on the vessel sustained injuries and were taken into custody. Cuban officials said medical teams provided treatment to the wounded. The ministry further confirmed that all 10 individuals aboard the boat were Cuban nationals living in the United States.
Security forces said they seized a cache of weapons and equipment from the vessel, including assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. Authorities also claimed that most of the detainees have prior criminal records.
In addition, Cuban police announced the arrest of a seventh suspect, described by national authorities as an American operative allegedly assigned to assist the group’s entry into the country. Officials have not provided independent evidence to support that claim.
The development has sparked reactions in the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would conduct its own investigation before determining any course of action. Speaking from St. Kitts and Nevis, where he was attending a regional leaders’ conference, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. government currently has limited verified information and that much of what is known so far has come from Cuban authorities.
“It’s important that we establish exactly what transpired,” Rubio told reporters, adding that the U.S. would respond appropriately once more facts are available.
Officials in Florida also called for a thorough inquiry. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office had directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to coordinate with federal and state agencies to investigate the matter. He expressed skepticism about the Cuban government’s version of events.
Florida Republican Representative Carlos Gimenez described the confrontation as a “massacre” and urged federal authorities to clarify whether any U.S. citizens or residents were among those killed. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz also pressed for an independent review, cautioning against relying solely on Havana’s narrative.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. Relations have remained strained, particularly following policies introduced during the administration of Donald Trump, including restrictions on oil shipments to Cuba, especially from Venezuela. On Wednesday, however, Washington announced that it would allow certain sales to Cuba’s private sector, a move seen by some analysts as a limited easing measure.
As investigations unfold on both sides, the deadly encounter is likely to further complicate already fragile diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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