A violent maritime shootout occurred off Cuba's coast involving a boat carrying 10 armed U.S.-based Cubans and Cuban soldiers. Cuba claims the group sought to infiltrate and commit terrorism, while the U.S. is independently investigating the incident, stressing that it was not a U.S. government operation and expressing concern over escalating tensions.
On Wednesday, Cuba's government announced a deadly confrontation where a boat carrying 10 armed Cubans, identified as U.S. residents, opened fire on Cuban soldiers near Cayo Falcones. Havana claims these individuals were attempting to infiltrate the island to carry out terrorist acts. Among those identified by Cuba were Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who are wanted for terrorism, and Duniel Hernández Santos, arrested for facilitating the infiltration. Four passengers were killed, including Michel Ortega Casanova, an American citizen and truck driver. His brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, expressed grief but also hoped his brother's 'obsessive' quest for Cuba's freedom might lead to a worthwhile sacrifice. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. is conducting its own investigation, not relying solely on Cuban accounts, to verify facts and determine if any victims were American citizens or permanent residents. Rubio described the shootout as 'highly unusual' and clarified it was not a U.S. government operation, with the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard actively involved. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has also ordered an investigation, expressing distrust of the Cuban government and vowing accountability. This incident is poised to heighten already strained U.S.-Cuba relations, which have recently seen increased U.S. pressure through sanctions and tariffs impacting Cuba's crucial oil supplies.
