Cuba Details Heavily Armed Speedboat Clash
HAVANA: Cuban Interior Ministry officials say a group of Cuban nationals sailing from the United States were heavily armed when they encountered Cuban border forces off the northern coast of Cuba, triggering a deadly confrontation. The government said the 10-person commando carried nearly 12,846 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles and 11 pistols, as well as other materiel recovered after the clash.
According to Cuban authorities, the incident occurred on 25 February 2026 when a Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters near Villa Clara province. Cuban patrol vessels approached the vessel to identify its occupants, at which point the speedboat allegedly opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban patrol and prompting Cuban forces to return fire.
Four Dead, Six Wounded in Maritime Shootout
The government said that four of the speedboat’s occupants were killed in the exchange, and six were wounded and taken into custody. The wounded are being treated and face prosecution on charges that include armed aggression, illegal entry, terrorism and arms trafficking. Prosecutors have suggested sentences ranging from 10–15 years for lesser offenses to 20–30 years or even the death penalty for more serious charges.
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Cuban officials displayed the seized weapons and ammunition on state television and released images of the vessels, which were visibly marked with bullet holes from the close-range firefight. The Interior Ministry described the incident as an attempted armed infiltration aimed at sowing disorder and attacking state forces.
Exiles From Florida Allegedly Tried Armed Infiltration
Cuba identified some of the detainees and said the group included individuals previously wanted by Cuban authorities. Officials claimed the speedboat mission had been organized from the US, although the Marco Rubio administration said the US government was not involved and pledged an independent investigation to establish the facts.
The clash comes at a tense moment in US-Cuba relations, with Washington having imposed stricter sanctions on Havana in recent weeks. The Cuban government characterized its response as “proportional” defensive action to protect its sovereignty after being fired upon by the approaching vessel.
Weapons Cache Included Nearly 13,000 Rounds , Officials
International reaction includes concern over the escalation and calls for clarity, while Cuba maintains it will defend itself against any terrorist or mercenary aggression that threatens national stability.
