Tensions Escalate as Cuba Opens Fire on US Speedboat, Four Dead
Cuban border authorities have intercepted a speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on a Cuban patrol boat commander. The vessel was registered in the state of Florida, United States.
The speedboat was spotted on Wednesday morning, 25 February, local time, in Cuban territorial waters near Cayo Falcones. The boat approached to within approximately one nautical mile of Villa Clara province. When border patrol units approached the vessel to identify it, the crew opened fire.
According to a report from the Cuban Ministry of Interior, four people were killed and six others injured. The Cuban government stated that “all those involved are Cuban citizens residing in the United States.”
The Cuban government characterised the vessel’s passengers as having a terrorist agenda and planning to enter the country illegally. Weapons, explosives, and camouflage uniforms were found on the boat. Additionally, all ten passengers reportedly had “histories of criminal and violent activity.” The investigation remains ongoing, and the perpetrators’ motives have not yet been determined.
According to the AP news agency, the Cuban government identified three passengers as Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, and Conrado Galindo Sariol. Amijail and Leordan were previously sought by Cuban authorities for their involvement in promoting, planning, organising, financing, supporting, or carrying out actions in Cuban territory or abroad related to terrorism.
Another passenger was Conrado Galindo Sariol. Martí Noticias, a US-based news site long advocating for regime change in Cuba, described Conrado as a “legend” and former political prisoner who frequently supported Cubans’ struggles, particularly in the eastern part of the island, to “achieve freedom.”
In an interview in June 2025, Conrado stated: “The regime’s leaders are travelling throughout Cuba trying to contain a worsening situation, because they have lost control and cannot stop it; they are seeking ways to prevent protests from spreading to other areas.”
The Cuban government also stated that it had arrested Duniel Hernández Santos, who facilitated the entry of this terrorist group. The government added that Duniel was “sent from the United States to ensure the reception of an armed infiltration, which has now admitted to its actions.” The Cuban government’s statement has not yet been independently verified.
One of the four identified victims was Michel Ortega Casanova. Michel’s brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, told the AP news agency on Wednesday, 25 February, that he was mourning his brother’s death and regretted his brother becoming trapped in an “obsessive and brutal” struggle for Cuban freedom.
“Only we Cubans living in Cuba understand,” said Misael Ortega Casanova, referring to the “great suffering” he and other Cubans on the island experience.
He stated that his brother was a truck driver and US citizen who had lived in the United States for over 20 years, leaving his wife, mother, two sisters, and a pregnant daughter.
“Nobody knew (about Michel’s plan),” Misael said of his brother’s actions. “Mother is devastated,” he added, saying, “They are so obsessed that they do not think about the consequences for their own lives.”
He hoped his brother’s death would be a meaningful sacrifice: “Perhaps it will lead to Cuba becoming free one day.”
Rubio: An ‘Unusual’ Incident
In Washington, government officials responded cautiously. US Vice President JD Vance told reporters that the White House is investigating the incident. He expressed hope that it “is not as bad as we feared.” So far, the US government “does not have many details.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented during his visit to St. Kitts and Nevis. He stated that various parts of the US government are gathering and verifying information. Until compelling evidence emerges, he will not speculate. “Suffice it to say that it is quite unusual to see a shootout occur at sea,” Rubio said firmly. He added that such incidents with Cuba have not occurred for a long time. Nevertheless, US officials were not involved.
The US Embassy in Havana is attempting to determine whether the victims were US citizens or US permanent residents. The vessel’s registration in Florida is also under investigation.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a joint investigation with federal authorities. “The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything possible to hold these communists accountable,” said the attorney, a Republican politician.
Cuba is located approximately 145 kilometres from the southern tip of Florida.
The Cuban government rejected the allegations and emphasised its right to defend the nation. “Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, with national defence as a fundamental pillar for Cuba to maintain sovereignty and stability in this region,” stated the presidential office through Platform X.
The Incident Follows US Oil Embargo Loosening
The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. Under President Donald Trump, the United States is once again increasing pressure on communist leadership.
Since December, Cuba has no longer received oil from Venezuela, after Trump ordered a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers carrying shipments from the South American partner nation. He also threatened to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. As a result, Mexico, Cuba’s largest supplier, has been affected.