White House officials confirmed on 26/2 that at least two US citizens were on board a speedboat shot down by Cuba on 25/2 after it entered Cuban territorial waters. One person died and one person sustained injuries in the incident. A third individual on the vessel holds a US K-1 visa, while others may be legal permanent residents.
The K-1 visa allows fiances or fiancees of US citizens to enter the country for marriage, requiring them to marry within 90 days of arrival.
According to White House officials and reports from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Florida state, the boat's owner claimed an employee had stolen the vessel.
 |
A Cuban patrol boat in the waters north of Havana in 2008. *Photo: AFP* |
The Cuban Embassy in the US stated on 26/2 that immediately after detecting the boat originating from US territory, Cuban authorities communicated about "this terrorist plot with US partners, including the Department of State and the Coast Guard".
"An investigation is ongoing to clarify the facts. The Cuban government is ready to exchange information with the US. We will request the US side to provide information about the individuals involved, the vehicle used, and other details through existing mechanisms," the Cuban embassy added. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio noted that US officials have expressed willingness to cooperate in clarifying "these regrettable events".
The Cuban Border Guard on 25/2 intercepted the speedboat off Corralillo district, Villa Clara province. During the operation, the Border Guard shot down 4 suspects and arrested 6 people. Authorities seized various weapons and equipment including: assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, scopes, and camouflage gear. The commander of the Cuban patrol boat sustained injuries in the shootout.
The speedboat, bearing US registration number FL7726SH, originated from Florida state. The Cuban Interior Ministry identified all suspects involved as "Cubans living in the US, with most having a history of criminal and violent activity". The Cuban side asserted that those on the boat "intended to infiltrate to carry out terrorist acts".
President Miguel Diaz-Canel previously affirmed that Cuba "will defend itself with determination and firmness against all acts of terrorism and mercenaries targeting national sovereignty and stability".
 |
Location of the shootout on 25/2. *Source: Cuban Interior Ministry* |
The Cuban government has repeatedly voiced concerns about speedboats from the US illegally entering its territorial waters, noting that Florida state is only about 160 km from Cuba.
This clash occurred amid escalating tensions in Cuba-US relations. Washington has blocked nearly all oil shipments to the Caribbean island nation, causing fuel shortages, affecting transportation, and threatening Cuba's energy security. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis if Cuba's energy needs are not met.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, CBS News)
