The President of Cuba said today that the country “will defend itself with determination and firmness” against “any terrorist aggression,” following the death of four crew members of a U.S.-registered speedboat during a shootout with Cuban authorities.
“Cuba does not attack or threaten. We have stated this repeatedly and reiterate it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that seeks to affect its sovereignty and national stability,” said Miguel Díaz-Canel in a message published on social media.
Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior reported that, on Wednesday, a speedboat registered in the U.S. state of Florida reached “one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel,” after which the Cuban Coast Guard requested its identification.
“The offending vessel initiated gunfire against the Cuban crew, resulting in injuries to the commander of the Cuban vessel,” the ministry said.
Four crew members of the speedboat were killed and six others on board were injured in the confrontation. Cuban authorities added that all the wounded were rescued and received medical assistance.
In another message on social media, the Cuban presidency said Havana reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle of national defense, which it considers a fundamental pillar of the state in safeguarding sovereignty and stability.
Cuba said the reported incident amounted to an attempted infiltration by a group with “terrorist purposes” from the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would respond “appropriately” to the incident, stressing that U.S. authorities would independently verify what happened.
The incident comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Cuba, after Washington tightened the oil embargo on the island and urged Havana to reach an agreement.
Several similar incidents have been reported in recent years, including two in 2022. In one case, a U.S. speedboat opened fire on Cuban border guards near Villa Clara, wounding a Cuban officer.
