Cuban Forces Kill Four After Shootout With US-Registered Speedboat Off Coast

A deadly confrontation unfolded off the northern coast of Cuba on February 25, when Cuban border forces engaged a speedboat registered in the United States, resulting in four people being killed and six others wounded, according to Havana’s Interior Ministry. The incident occurred near the El Pino channel off Villa Clara Province, within Cuban territorial waters, and has raised concerns on both sides of the Florida Straits.

Cuban authorities said the vessel, carrying a Florida registration number FL7726SH, was detected about one nautical mile from the coast when a patrol unit from the Border Guard Troops moved in to intercept it. According to the ministry, those aboard allegedly opened fire on the Cuban patrol as officers attempted to approach and identify the speedboat, wounding the commander of the Cuban vessel. Cuban forces returned fire, leading to a gunfight that left four aboard the speedboat dead and six others injured. The wounded were evacuated and received medical care.

The Cuban government described the four killed as “aggressors,” adding that those aboard were reportedly armed and that investigations are ongoing. Cuba has not publicly disclosed the specific purpose of the vessel’s presence in its waters, nor confirmed the nationalities of the victims. Details about whether the incident involved smuggling, migration, or any other activity remain unclear.

In a more detailed statement, Havana alleged that the occupants of the speedboat included Cuban nationals living in the United States, and that several were already wanted by Cuban authorities for alleged involvement in planning or supporting terrorist acts. Cuban officials also claimed weapons and tactical gear were found on the vessel. These claims have not been independently verified by international media or US officials.

The United States, meanwhile, has expressed caution and initiated its own fact-finding efforts. Marco Rubio said Washington is gathering information to determine whether any victims were American citizens or lawful permanent residents and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation. He stressed that the US will not rely solely on the Cuban account and has directed several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard, to investigate.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he has ordered a separate state-level investigation with federal and local law enforcement partners, citing concerns over the Cuban government’s actions and the use of lethal force against a US-registered vessel.

The incident has triggered warnings from US officials about the need to assess all facts carefully. Cuban-American representatives have called for accountability and thorough scrutiny, citing the sharp escalation in tensions this event represents. Analysts warn that this rare shootout could further strain already delicate relations between the United States and Cuba, especially amid ongoing political and economic disputes in the region.