On 25/2, Cuba's Ministry of Interior announced that its maritime patrol forces detected a motorboat with license plate FL7726SH about one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones island in the northern province of Villa Clara. The license plate indicated the vessel was registered in Florida, US.

"The illegal motorboat opened fire as Cuban border guards approached, injuring the commander of the patrol vessel", Cuba's Ministry of Interior stated. "Four foreign attackers were killed, and 6 injured individuals were taken for medical treatment."

Cuban patrol boat off the northern coast of Havana in 2/2008. *Photo: AFP*

Cuba's Ministry of Interior did not specify the motorboat's origin or the nationality of those on board and is investigating the incident. Florida state data indicates the motorboat with license plate FL7726SH is a 7,3 m Pro-Line vessel, built in 1981, and capable of carrying 8-10 people.

"In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to defend its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar in protecting sovereignty and ensuring regional stability", the Ministry of Interior announced. The Cuban government has previously protested multiple times about high-speed boats from the US illegally entering its territorial waters. Florida is only about 160 km from Cuba.

Location of Cuba's Cayo Falcones island. *Graphic: ABC News*

The incident occurred amid recently heightened tensions between Cuba and the US. Since January, the US has blocked most oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico to Cuba, leading to severe energy shortages on the island nation. This has resulted in prolonged power outages and soaring food and transport prices.

US Vice President JD Vance stated the White House is monitoring the situation, hoping things are "not as bad as feared". Vance was briefly informed of the developments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but Washington "currently lacks specific information".

"We will not draw conclusions based solely on what Cuba provides. I believe the US will know the full story of what happened", Rubio told reporters during a visit to the Caribbean island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. "We are prepared to respond appropriately when more information becomes available."

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)