Cuba Says Border Guards Killed Four On US-Registered Boat

Cuba has confirmed that four people killed by its border guards aboard a US-registered speedboat were Cuban nationals residing in the United States. In a statement shared online, the country’s Interior Ministry said the vessel was intercepted near Cayo Falcones, off Villa Clara province, after entering Cuban territorial waters on Wednesday morning.

According to authorities, when a coast guard unit approached the Florida-registered boat for identification, “the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire,” injuring a Cuban commander. Officials said the confrontation resulted in the deaths of four people on board and injuries to six others, who were later taken for medical treatment and are now in custody. The ministry alleged the group was armed and planning to “carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes,” adding that most of the individuals “have prior records involving criminal and violent activity.” Weapons recovered from the vessel reportedly included handguns, assault rifles, improvised explosive devices and tactical equipment. An eleventh suspect was later arrested and allegedly confessed to involvement in the plot.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the episode as “highly unusual” and confirmed that Washington is conducting its own inquiry. Speaking from Saint Kitts and Nevis, he said US authorities would work to “clarify” the circumstances, stressing they would not rely solely on information from Havana. “We’re going to find out exactly what happened, who was involved, and we’ll make a determination on the basis of what we find out,” Rubio said, noting that the US Coast Guard had been dispatched to the “vicinity” of the incident. “It is highly unusual to see shootouts on the open sea like that. It’s not something that happens every day,” he added.

The clash unfolds against a backdrop of rising strain between Washington and Havana. Cuba is grappling with a worsening fuel shortage, exacerbated by US measures that have curbed oil shipments from Venezuela, a key ally. Former President Donald Trump has urged Cuba to “make a deal” or face consequences, while US authorities recently signaled limited easing of certain private-sector transactions to “support the Cuban people, for commercial and humanitarian use.”

The shooting also coincided with the anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue downing, commemorated by Cuban-American groups in Miami. Florida officials swiftly called for accountability. Congressman Carlos Giménez said he would push for a probe into what he labeled a “massacre,” while state Attorney General James Uthmeier pledged that local law enforcement would investigate, stating, “The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.” Senator Rick Scott likewise demanded “a full investigation into this deeply concerning situation and to determine what happened,” adding, “The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable!”