Four people were killed and six others injured after a violent confrontation between a Florida-registered speedboat and Cuban border guards on February 25, 2026, Cuban authorities said.
According to Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, the boat entered Cuban territorial waters near the EI Pino channel in Villa Clara province. When Cuban border Guard officers approached the vessel for identification, the crew reportedly opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol boat.
During the exchange, four people on the speedboat were killed, and six were hurt. The injured were taken for medical treatment. Cuban officials said the boat was registered in Florida and carried 10 armed individuals.
Authorities claimed the group was attempting to enter Cuba for “terrorist purposes.” Weapons seized from the boat included assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, body armor, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms.
Six detained individuals have been identified, and officials confirmed that all were Cuban nationals living in the United States. One of the deceased was identified as Michel Ortega Casanova, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims. Cuban authorities also arrested another man inside the country who allegedly helped arrange the group’s landing.
Officials stated that some of the suspects had prior criminal records and were already under investigation for alleged extremist activities. Cuba has said it remains committed to protecting its territorial waters and sovereignty.
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