Cuba’s Interior Ministry said the vessel entered Cuban territorial waters approximately one nautical mile off the coast of Cayo Falcónes. Authorities alleged that the individuals on board were planning an armed infiltration for terrorist purposes.
According to an official statement, Cuban border guards attempted to stop the boat, which led to an exchange of gunfire. Four people were killed and six others injured in the incident. The injured were rescued and are receiving medical treatment.
Cuban officials stated that the commander of their patrol boat was also wounded during the confrontation. The identity of one of the deceased has been released, and the names of the six surviving individuals have been made public.
Authorities said all 10 people aboard the vessel are Cuban nationals residing in the United States. An additional suspect has been arrested and allegedly confessed to involvement in the purported conspiracy. Cuban officials further claimed that most of the suspects have prior criminal and violent records. Weapons reportedly recovered from the boat include handguns, assault rifles, improvised explosive devices, and other tactical equipment.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the incident as “highly unusual” and said the United States would independently verify the facts rather than rely solely on information provided by the Cuban government. Speaking during a visit to Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rubio confirmed that no U.S. government personnel were aboard the intercepted vessel.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries. Following a recent U.S. military operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s fuel crisis has reportedly worsened. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Cuba to “come to an agreement” and announced a halt to oil shipments to the island, further complicating the situation for the energy-strapped nation.
The latest developments have also revived memories of the 1996 incident in which Cuba shot down two small aircraft operated by the U.S.-based organization Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people. That episode remains a source of longstanding bitterness in U.S.–Cuba relations.
Analysts warn that the most recent confrontation could further inflame diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
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