Florida Investigates US Speedboat Shooting by Cuban Coast Guard
Florida has officially opened an investigation into the bloody incident involving the Cuban coast guard and a US-registered speedboat. The incident, which occurred in Cuban waters, reportedly resulted in four deaths and six injuries.
Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, stated that he has instructed the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office to work with federal and state law enforcement partners to launch a thorough investigation.
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” Uthmeier said in a statement on Wednesday (February 25).
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that the clash occurred about one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones, in the Villa Clara province. According to Havana authorities, their coast guard approached the Florida-flagged vessel because it was suspected of carrying out illegal activities.
The Cuban side claims that the first shots were fired from the US vessel, which caused the commander of the Cuban coast guard vessel to be injured. In response, officers fired at the vessel.
“As a result of the clash, at the time of this report, on the foreign side, four attackers were killed and six others were injured,” the ministry said.
To date, the identities and nationalities of the victims on board the vessel have not been officially disclosed.
The Cuban government often reports incidents involving speedboats from the United States in its waters, which are usually related to human trafficking or drug operations. In the first half of 2022 alone, at least 13 speedboats were intercepted in operations described as human smuggling.
This latest incident comes amid a very volatile geopolitical situation. Cuba is currently on the verge of economic collapse due to a month-long oil blockade by the United States. However, Washington has recently begun to ease the policy by allowing oil shipments from Venezuela for “commercial and humanitarian purposes.”
This easing measure was announced by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, amid pressure from Caribbean leaders who are concerned about the impact of Cuba’s economic collapse on regional stability. On the other hand, international aid is starting to flow to the island, including from Mexico, which has sent 2,200 tons of aid, as well as a commitment of financial aid from Canada.
The investigation led by Florida is expected to reveal the truth behind the armed contact, amid conflicting claims between Cuban authorities and the owners of the vessel in the United States. (AFP/Z-2)
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the White House is closely monitoring the incident of a Florida-flagged speedboat being shot by Cuban border forces.
Four people were killed and six others injured after a US-flagged speedboat was involved in an armed clash with Cuban border guards near Cayo Falcones.
President Donald Trump labeled Cuba as a ‘failed state’ amid the energy crisis. However, he denied plans to overthrow the regime as in Venezuela.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed that aid to Cuba will continue despite US sanctions. As many as 814 tons of food were sent via a warship as a form of solidarity.
Cuba is experiencing a jet fuel crisis due to the US oil blockade. Air Canada canceled flights and began repatriating 3,000 Canadian tourists.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the White House is closely monitoring the incident of a Florida-flagged speedboat being shot by Cuban border forces.
Four people were killed and six others injured after a US-flagged speedboat was involved in an armed clash with Cuban border guards near Cayo Falcones.
A speedboat sank in the waters off Tanjung Samala, Manipa Island, West Seram Regency, Maluku Province, Friday (December 3) morning. Eight people were reported dead.
The Maluku Utara Police appealed to all people to remain calm regarding this incident and to hand over the handling of the case to the police.
The body of the Candidate for Governor (Cagub) of North Maluku (Malut), Benny Laos, who died as a result of the speedboat fire incident, has been flown from Luwuk, Central Sulawesi, to Jakarta.
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