Cuban forces say they killed four armed exiles who arrived on a Florida-registered speedboat and opened fire at sea, deepening tensions between Havana and Washington.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
Cuba’s government said its security forces killed four anti-government exiles and wounded six others after an armed confrontation off the island’s coast involving a Florida-registered speedboat.
According to Cuba’s interior ministry, the group sailed from the United States into Cuban waters dressed in camouflage and carrying assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests, and telescopic sights. Authorities said the men opened fire on a Cuban patrol, triggering a gun battle at sea.
The ministry said six suspects were detained and taken for medical treatment after being wounded. A Cuban patrol commander was also injured during the exchange.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident was not a US government operation and that no American personnel were involved. He added that Washington had been informed by Cuban authorities but would independently verify the details.
Speaking during a visit to St Kitts and Nevis, Rubio described the shootout as highly unusual and said the United States would respond after gathering more information.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation, saying the Cuban government could not be trusted and that his office would pursue accountability.
Cuban officials identified two of the detainees as Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, claiming they were previously wanted on suspicion of planning attacks. Four others were named as Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Authorities also detained another Cuban man, Duniel Hernandez Santos, who they said was waiting on the island to receive the group.
One of the dead was identified as Michel Ortega Casanova. The identities of the other three were not immediately released.
Rising tensions amid oil crisis
The clash comes amid renewed strain between Havana and Washington. The United States recently adjusted restrictions linked to its long-standing embargo, allowing limited resale of Venezuelan-origin oil to support private businesses and households in Cuba. The move followed a period of tightening pressure after a US operation in January targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Cuba has been facing a deep energy crisis, with blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day in some regions. Officials estimate the country needs around 100,000 barrels of oil daily to function normally.
The latest confrontation also revives memories of the 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, an incident that sharply escalated tensions and led to tougher US sanctions under the Helms-Burton Act.
Regional leaders in the Caribbean have urged dialogue. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently called for constructive talks between Cuba and the United States aimed at reducing tensions and promoting stability.
As investigations continue on both sides, the rare exchange of gunfire in open waters has added another flashpoint to an already fragile relationship between the two countries.
