Cuban authorities say four people have been killed and six others injured after security forces intercepted a Florida-registered speedboat carrying armed men near the island’s northern coastline.
According to a statement issued by Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the confrontation took place on Wednesday when coastguard units opened fire during what officials described as an attempted armed incursion from the United States.
The ministry said the vessel was carrying 10 individuals, all identified as Cuban nationals residing in the US. It alleged that those detained following the exchange of gunfire admitted they had planned to enter the country to carry out acts described as terrorism.
Weapons and equipment recovered from the boat included assault rifles, handguns and improvised incendiary devices, as well as other items characterised by authorities as military-style gear.
Officials said four of the suspected attackers died during the incident, while six others sustained injuries. The wounded were taken into custody and are receiving medical treatment under guard, according to state media.
Cuban authorities have not released the identities of those involved, and there has been no immediate comment from US officials regarding the reported incident.
Havana has frequently accused groups based abroad of seeking to destabilise the country, particularly amid longstanding political tensions between Cuba and the United States. The latest confrontation comes at a time of continued strain in bilateral relations, with Washington maintaining economic sanctions on the island.
It remains unclear how the vessel departed from Florida or whether US authorities were aware of its movements before the reported clash. Investigations are ongoing, Cuban officials said, as security forces assess the circumstances surrounding the attempted landing.
The incident is likely to add further friction to already delicate ties between Havana and Washington, as both governments face renewed scrutiny over cross-border security concerns.
