HAVANA — The government of Cuba reported an armed maritime incident on Wednesday local time involving a speedboat registered in the U.S. state of Florida, escalating already fragile relations between Havana and Washington.
In an official statement, Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior said the vessel allegedly violated Cuban territorial waters, approximately 150 kilometers from the southern tip of Florida. Authorities identified the boat by registration number FL7726SH.
According to Cuban officials, the vessel approached within one nautical mile of a channel near Falcones Cay, along the island’s northern coastline, roughly 200 kilometers east of Havana. It was detected northeast of the El Pino Strait, near Cayo Falcones.
Five Cuban border guard personnel were deployed to intercept and identify the vessel. However, as patrol units approached, the boat’s occupants reportedly opened fire first. During the ensuing exchange, a Cuban commanding officer was injured.
Cuban authorities stated that four suspected assailants were killed, while six others were wounded and transported to medical facilities on the island. The government described its response as a legitimate act of defending national sovereignty and territorial waters.
The Ministry of the Interior emphasized that national defense remains a cornerstone of regional stability, signaling that Havana views the episode not merely as a maritime violation but as a matter of sovereign security.
Diplomatic Sensitivities
The incident comes amid renewed strain between Cuba and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously maintained a hardline stance toward the Cuban government, upholding sanctions and embargo policies that continue to weigh heavily on the island’s economy and energy sector.
On the U.S. side, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a formal investigation into the incident. He stated that his office would coordinate with federal authorities and law enforcement agencies to establish the facts surrounding the confrontation.
Strong remarks from Florida officials describing the Cuban government as “untrustworthy” suggest the episode could evolve into a broader diplomatic dispute. Given the decades-long history of tension between Havana and Washington, even limited military confrontations risk triggering wider political escalation.
Author: Faisal / FKY
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