(VIDEO) Cuba Claims Forces Kill 4 in Gunfight After Florida-Registered Speedboat Attempts 'Armed Infiltration

Cuban border guard troops fatally shot four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters Wednesday morning, the country's Interior Ministry said, describing the incident as a foiled "armed infiltration with terrorist purposes" by Cuban nationals living in the United States.

The confrontation unfolded near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara province, about 1 nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Corralillo municipality, roughly 120 miles east of Havana and over 100 miles from Florida's coast. The speedboat, bearing Florida registration number FL7726SH, was intercepted by a five-member unit from the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior.

According to the ministry's initial statement posted on social media, the Cuban patrol approached the vessel for identification purposes after it violated territorial waters. The passengers then opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban vessel. Cuban forces returned fire, killing four individuals on the boat and injuring six others.

In a follow-up announcement late Wednesday, the ministry identified the 10 people aboard as Cuban nationals residing in the U.S., all armed and intent on carrying out an infiltration operation. One of the deceased was named as Michel Ortega Casanova; the other three killed have not yet been publicly identified. The six wounded survivors are in custody receiving medical treatment.

Authorities said they recovered assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms from the vessel. Preliminary statements from detained individuals indicated the group's aim was "an infiltration for terrorist purposes," the ministry claimed. It also reported arresting Duniel Hernández Santos inside Cuba, alleging he had been sent from the U.S. to facilitate the group's reception and had confessed to his role.

The incident heightened tensions between Havana and Washington amid ongoing diplomatic strains. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a regional conference in Saint Kitts and Nevis, said U.S. officials were independently verifying the Cuban account. He emphasized that no U.S. government personnel or operation was involved and noted the U.S. Embassy in Havana was seeking access to any American citizens or permanent residents potentially affected.

Rubio described the event as "highly unusual" and said agencies including the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard were gathering facts. Florida officials, including Attorney General James Uthmeier and Rep. Carlos Gimenez, called for investigations into whether U.S. citizens or residents were among the victims and criticized the Cuban government's handling of the matter.

The shootout coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 1996 incident in which Cuban forces shot down two Brothers to the Rescue civilian planes over international waters, killing four people and escalating U.S.-Cuba tensions.

Cuba's government framed the event as a necessary defense of sovereignty. "In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters," the Interior Ministry stated, calling national defense a "fundamental pillar" for safeguarding stability.

No immediate independent confirmation of the Cuban narrative emerged from U.S. sources, with officials stressing the need for verification. The speedboat's ownership and the passengers' backgrounds remained under scrutiny, though Cuban authorities portrayed them as anti-government exiles with criminal histories, some previously wanted for terrorism-related activities.

The Florida Straits, separating the two nations by about 90 miles at their closest point, have long been a route for migration, smuggling and occasional clandestine operations. Speedboats from Florida have historically been used in attempts to reach Cuba, sometimes for family reunions or defections, but armed incursions are rare.

Analysts noted the timing could fuel propaganda efforts on both sides. Cuban state media highlighted the seizure of weapons to underscore claims of a planned attack, while U.S. critics of the regime pointed to the killings as evidence of authoritarian overreach.

As investigations continue, the incident underscores persistent friction in U.S.-Cuba relations, despite periodic diplomatic engagements. The U.S. maintains economic sanctions on Cuba, citing human rights concerns and support for dissidents, while Havana accuses Washington of fomenting instability.

Cuban authorities said probes by competent bodies were ongoing to clarify details. The wounded Cuban commander received treatment, and no further casualties were reported on the government side.

The event drew swift reactions from Cuban-American communities in Florida, with some expressing skepticism about Havana's version and others demanding accountability. Social media posts from Cuban exile groups questioned whether the group was truly armed aggressors or victims of excessive force.

For now, the deadly encounter remains a developing story, with both governments gathering evidence and the international community watching closely for escalation or de-escalation in the sensitive bilateral dynamic.