Cuba says it shot dead four people on a US registered boat

Cuban authorities shot and killed four people aboard a US registered speedboat. Officials said the dead were Cuban nationals living in the United States. Six other passengers survived with injuries and authorities detained them. The interior ministry released details in an online statement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is investigating the incident.

Cuban officials said the passengers opened fire on a coast guard vessel. The confrontation occurred near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara province. Border guards approached the boat to identify its occupants.
Authorities said gunfire wounded a Cuban commander during the exchange. Officials claimed the group intended to infiltrate Cuba for terrorist purposes.

Cuba says guards shot four after boat crew opened fire

Investigators recovered handguns, assault rifles, and improvised explosive devices. Authorities also found tactical equipment aboard the Florida registered vessel. Officials said most passengers had prior criminal and violent records. They identified the surviving suspects and placed them in detention. Authorities arrested an eleventh suspect who allegedly confessed involvement.

First, Marco Rubio confirmed the boat carried no US government personnel. Additionally, he called the shootout highly unusual for open sea encounters. Meanwhile, US officials sent Coast Guard personnel near the incident area. Furthermore, Rubio said Washington would independently verify the facts. Finally, he pledged a swift investigation to clarify what happened.

The incident unfolded amid rising tensions between the United States and Cuba. Meanwhile, Cuba faces a worsening fuel crisis and economic strain. In addition, US policies have restricted oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba. As a result, Florida lawmakers demanded investigations and criticized the Cuban government. Consequently, several officials called for accountability after the deadly confrontation.