Cuban forces killed four people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat Wednesday, sparking a diplomatic dispute with the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the incident as “highly unusual,” stating it was something that hadn’t occurred between the two nations in a particularly long time.
According to Cuban authorities, the vessel entered Cuban waters and fired upon a Cuban border patrol vessel near Cayo Falcones, approximately 200 kilometers east of Havana. The Cuban Ministry of the Interior stated that those on board were identified as individuals previously sought in Cuba for allegedly planning attacks within the country.
U.S. Officials have confirmed that the speedboat was stolen from Florida by an employee of the boat’s owner. At least one of those killed was an American citizen, and another U.S. Citizen is among the wounded, currently receiving medical care in Cuba, according to U.S. Sources. Several individuals on board possessed U.S. Visas or residency permits.
Secretary Rubio has reportedly requested access to the six wounded individuals currently in Cuban custody, and Washington is investigating the incident. The Cuban government has indicated a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. Investigation, and is in contact with the U.S. State Department and Coast Guard, according to a Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a statement posted on social media, vowed to defend Cuba against what he characterized as “terrorist and mercenary aggression” aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty and stability. Cuban authorities have identified two of the six detained individuals as having been previously sought for alleged involvement in planning terrorist acts.
The incident comes as the United States maintains an energy blockade against Cuba, citing national security concerns. Earlier this week, the U.S. Authorized the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, but stipulated that the Cuban government should not profit from the transactions, with benefits directed towards the Cuban people and private sector.