"Cuba does not attack or threaten other countries. We will defend ourselves with determination and firmness against all terrorist and mercenary acts targeting national sovereignty and stability. This has been stated many times and will continue to be reiterated," Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on social network X today.
The Granma news agency reported the same day a statement from the Cuban Ministry of Interior, identifying 7 of 10 suspects involved in an armed group that attempted to infiltrate Cuba and opened fire on a border patrol unit in the El Pino channel, northeast of Corralillo district, Villa Clara province, on 25/2.
Six suspects were arrested: Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. One suspect, Michel Ortega Casanova, died, while three others remain unidentified.
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Cuban border patrol boat. Photo: Cubadebate |
"The arrested individuals confessed their intent to carry out the infiltration for terrorist purposes," the Cuban Ministry of Interior stated, adding that a Cuban patrol commander was injured in the shootout.
The suspects used a speedboat with registration number FL7726SH, registered in Florida, USA. Cuban border patrol disabled the vessel, shot down 4 suspects, and arrested 6. Authorities seized various weapons and equipment, including assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, scopes, and camouflage gear.
The Cuban Ministry of Interior identified all suspects involved as "Cubans living in the US, most with criminal and violent histories."
Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez are on lists of individuals and organizations under criminal investigation and wanted under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, international law, and Cuban law, accused of "promoting, planning, organizing, financing, supporting, or carrying out acts of terrorism."
In addition to the group on the boat, Cuban officials reported the arrest of another suspect on national territory, Duniel Hernandez Santos, who is believed to have been "dispatched from the US" to receive the infiltrating group. The Ministry of Interior stated that this individual has admitted his actions, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Location of the shootout. Source: Cuban Ministry of Interior |
The confrontation occurred amidst escalating US-Cuba tensions. 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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on 25/2 that the offshore shooting was "not a US operation" and did not involve government personnel. He disclosed that Cuban officials had informed the US of the incident, and the US Embassy in Havana would seek to verify the information.
The Cuban government has repeatedly raised concerns about illegal speedboat incursions from the US into its territorial waters. The state of Florida is approximately 160 km from Cuba.
