Deadly Gunfight Erupts Between Cuban Forces and Armed Speedboat

Cuban military forces killed four people and wounded six others during a confrontation with an armed speedboat carrying Cuban-Americans from the U.S. The incident has escalated tensions between the two nations as investigations continue into what Cuba calls a terrorist infiltration attempt.

Cuban military personnel engaged in a deadly firefight with occupants of an armed speedboat near the island’s northern coastline, resulting in four deaths and six wounded individuals who remain in custody following Wednesday’s violent encounter.

According to Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, the vessel contained 10 Cuban nationals residing in the United States who allegedly initiated gunfire when confronted by government forces. Cuban officials claim the group was attempting to infiltrate the country for terrorist purposes, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified this was not an American government mission.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated on Thursday via social media platform X: “A thorough investigation is underway to clarify the facts. The defense of Cuba’s coasts, national territory, and national security is an inescapable duty.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized his nation’s defensive posture, writing on X: “Cuba does not attack or threaten. We have stated this repeatedly, and we reiterate it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist or mercenary aggression that seeks to undermine its sovereignty and national stability.”

Secretary Rubio indicated the U.S. government is conducting its own investigation, including determining the citizenship status of those involved. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced it is seeking answers “through every legal and diplomatic channel available,” noting that “facts remain unclear and conflicting.”

Cuban authorities have released the identities of seven passengers from the vessel. Two individuals, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, are currently sought by Cuban law enforcement for alleged connections to terrorist activities including “promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission” of such acts.

The remaining identified passengers include Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.

Among the four fatalities was Michel Ortega Casanova, whose brother Misael Ortega Casanova spoke with The Associated Press about his sibling’s “obsessive and diabolical” mission for Cuban liberation stemming from their hardships before emigrating to America. The brother confirmed Michel was a U.S. citizen who had lived in America for over two decades.

Galindo Sariol was previously featured in a 2025 interview with Martí Noticias, a U.S.-based media outlet advocating for Cuban governmental change, where he was described as a former political detainee.

The speedboat, registered in Florida according to Cuban officials, contained a substantial weapons cache including assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices, body armor, telescopic equipment, and military-style clothing. The Associated Press could not independently confirm these details due to Florida’s private boat registration records.

Foreign Minister Rodríguez referenced the historical context Thursday on X, noting Cuba has endured “numerous terrorist and aggressive infiltrations” from the United States since 1959, “with a high cost in lives, injuries and material damage.”

The most notorious historical incident involving Cuban exiles was the Bay of Pigs Invasion in April 1961. The CIA had prepared a group of exiles during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s term, led by José Miró Cardona, a former Castro government official who later headed the Cuban Revolutionary Council in America.

This unsuccessful invasion during President John F. Kennedy’s administration resulted in approximately 1,200 brigade members surrendering, while over 100 others lost their lives.

Another significant confrontation occurred February 24, 1996, when Cuban air forces destroyed two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based organization. Four individuals died in the attack, which the International Civil Aviation Organization determined took place over international waters.

Radio communications between a MiG-29 fighter and military control tower, published by the Organization of American States, revealed the pilot saying, “Hell, give us the authorization! We got it!” The tower replied: “Authorized to destroy.” After downing the second aircraft, the MIG-29 pilot declared, “The other is destroyed. Homeland or death, you bastards!” referencing Cuba’s revolutionary slogan.

Similar incidents occurred in 2022 involving gunfire exchanges and arrests in Cuban waters, though without reported casualties.

Confrontations between Cuba’s Coast Guard and American-flagged speedboats in Cuban territorial waters occur regularly. These vessels have previously carried unidentified cargo toward the island or attempted to transport Cubans illegally to the United States.

This shooting incident threatens to heighten diplomatic tensions as President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted an increasingly confrontational approach toward Cuba.

Following the U.S. military action in Venezuela and the arrest of its leader on January 3, oil shipments that were crucial to Cuba’s economic survival were suspended.

Trump subsequently signed an executive order January 29 imposing tariffs on any nation selling or supplying oil to Cuba, prompting the island to implement strict fuel conservation measures.

While the U.S. Treasury Department marginally relaxed Venezuelan oil sale restrictions to Cuba on Wednesday, the island’s energy and economic difficulties are anticipated to continue.