The Cuban government announced Wednesday that border guards with the country’s Interior Ministry shot four people dead and injured six others after a Florida speedboat came into Cuban waters and opened fire on troops approaching the vessel.
Cuban officials confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the aggressors “were evacuated and received medical assistance.” The island nation later alleged that the people who opened fire were Cuban nationals living in the United States who wanted to infiltrate the country and commit terrorism.
The attack comes as the U.S. — which has been at odds with the communist-led Cuban government for over six decades — under President Donald Trump continues to ramp up pressure on the Caribbean nation through an oil blockade.
“In the face of the current challenges, Cuba ratifies its willingness to protect territorial waters, based on the fact that national defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban State in favor of the protection of its sovereignty and stability in the region,” the Interior Ministry’s statement said.
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The clash happened just one nautical mile northeast of El Pino Channel, in the Cuban province of Villa Clara, officials said.
At least two lawmakers have issued public statements regarding the episode, during which at least one Cuban soldier was reported injured.
“I am calling for an immediate investigation into this massacre,” Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who is Cuban-born and an advocate for American intervention on the island country, said in a statement, adding, “The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity.”
“We need a full investigation into this deeply concerning situation and to determine what happened. The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable,” Senator Rick Scott posted on X.
Cuba has been under communist control since Fidel Castro defeated a U.S.-backed dictator in 1959. But under Trump’s pressure and without Venezuelan oil for months, Cuba has been facing widespread blackouts, a medicine supply shortage and rising food prices.
Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba’s president, told reporters this month he was open to negotiating with Washington.
“We are making every effort so that the country can once again have fuel,” Díaz-Canel said.
And negotiations seemed headed in the right direction after the Trump administration announced Wednesday it would reauthorize selling Venezuelan oil to private Cuban companies.
“This favorable licensing policy is directed towards transactions that support the Cuban people, including the Cuban private sector (e.g., exports for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba),” the U.S. Treasury Department said in a release.
But tensions were already escalating mere hours after the Treasury announced its policy reversal.
“I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation. The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” Florida’s attorney general posted on X.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation.
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