Cuban Coast Guard Intercepts Florida-Registered Boat, Resulting in Fatalities

Cuban authorities reported that on February 25, 2026, a Florida-registered speedboat was intercepted near Cayo Falcones, off Cuba's northern coast. According to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the vessel entered Cuban territorial waters and, upon being approached by the Cuban Border Guard, its occupants opened fire, injuring a Cuban officer. Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries among the boat's passengers. The injured were evacuated and received medical assistance. Cuban officials stated that the boat's occupants were armed Cubans residing in the United States, allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island for terrorist purposes. The Ministry reported the seizure of assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, and other military-style equipment aboard the vessel. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the incident, stating that the U.S. is gathering its own information to determine if the victims were American citizens or permanent residents. He emphasized the need for independent verification of the facts provided by Cuban authorities. The Cuban government identified two of the boat's passengers as individuals wanted in Cuba for alleged involvement in planning and financing terrorist acts. Additionally, Cuban authorities announced the arrest of a man on Cuban soil, accused of providing logistical support for the operation. The incident has heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, with both nations conducting investigations to ascertain the full details of the confrontation.