Armed Confrontation Erupts Near Falcones Cay (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Cuba – Cuban border patrol agents killed four people aboard a Florida-registered speedboat after passengers opened fire during an interception near the island’s northern coast.[1][2]
Armed Confrontation Erupts Near Falcones Cay
The exchange of gunfire caught authorities off guard in an era of strained maritime encounters. On February 25, 2026, around 2 p.m. ET, the speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters close to Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province, roughly 100 miles from Florida. Five border guard troops approached the vessel for identification.[3]
A passenger then fired at the Cuban craft, wounding its commander. Forces returned fire immediately, resulting in four deaths and six injuries among the 10 people on board. The survivors received medical treatment and remained in custody. Weapons recovered included assault rifles, handguns, and Molotov cocktails.[1][4]
Cuba Labels Incident a Foiled Terror Plot
Havana’s Interior Ministry described the group as Cuban residents of the United States intent on “infiltration for terrorist purposes.” The passengers wore camouflage uniforms, bulletproof vests, and carried telescopic sights. Two survivors faced prior wanted notices in Cuba for terrorism-related activities.[2]
Authorities identified several individuals:
- Michel Ortega Casanova (killed)
- Amijail Sánchez González (detained)
- Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez (detained, previously wanted)
- Conrado Galindo Sariol (detained)
- José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló (detained)
- Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara (detained)
- Roberto Azcorra Consuegra (detained)
Duniel Hernández Santos, another Cuban who traveled from the United States to assist, was arrested onshore after confessing.[3][1]
U.S. Officials Launch Independent Probes
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the shootout “highly unusual,” noting such open-sea clashes had not occurred with Cuba in decades. “We’re going to find out exactly what happened here and then we’ll respond accordingly,” he stated.[4][1]
The vessel, a 24-foot 1981 Pro-Line with registration FL7726SH, belonged to a Miami owner who reported it stolen from the Florida Keys. U.S. agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard joined the inquiry, alongside Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier. Cuban authorities notified the U.S. embassy in Havana.[4]
Escalating Tensions Amid Economic Strain
The episode unfolded against a backdrop of U.S. measures tightening pressure on Cuba, including an oil blockade that deepened the island’s energy crisis. Nearly one million Cubans fled to the United States in recent years, many by sea. Past incidents involved U.S. boat interceptions for migrant trafficking.[1]
Russia denounced the event as a U.S. provocation. Florida lawmakers, including Representative Carlos Giménez and Senator Rick Scott, demanded accountability from Havana. Vice President JD Vance confirmed U.S. monitoring of developments.[4]
| Party | Casualties |
|---|---|
| Cuban Forces | 1 commander wounded |
| Speedboat Passengers | 4 killed, 6 wounded |
- Cuban ministry claims first shots came from the speedboat.
- U.S. vows independent verification before conclusions.
- Boat owner reports theft; no U.S. government link confirmed.
This maritime clash underscores fragile U.S.-Cuba dynamics, where migration, sanctions, and security intersect. As investigations proceed, clarity on motives and accountability remains elusive. What do you think about the incident? Tell us in the comments.
