By Zoila Palma: Cuba’s authorities say 4 people were fatally shot after a Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters on Wednesday in what officials described as an attempted “infiltration.”
The incident occurred near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province, just over 100 miles from Florida, according to a statement from Cuba’s Interior Ministry.
The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, with both governments launching investigations into the shooting.
CNN reports say that Cuban authorities approached the 24-foot powerboat after it crossed into Cuban waters.
Authorities allege that a passenger aboard the vessel opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban patrol craft, prompting return fire. Four people on the boat were killed and six others injured.
Survivors are now in custody and receiving medical treatment.
The Interior Ministry later stated that the passengers, described as Cuban residents of the US, were armed with assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails and intended to carry out an operation for “terrorist purposes.” Officials also reported that another individual, allegedly sent from the US to help facilitate the mission, was arrested and confessed.
Cuban officials identified seven of the 10 passengers and said two of the survivors were previously wanted in Cuba for terrorism-related offenses.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the shooting as “highly unusual” and confirmed the vessel was not part of any US government operation.
Speaking during an official visit to Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rubio said the US Embassy in Havana, the Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard are investigating to determine exactly what occurred before deciding on any response.
The post International News: Cuba fatally shoots 4 aboard Florida-registered speedboat appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Cuba’s authorities say 4 people were fatally shot after a Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban territorial waters on Wednesday in what officials described as an attempted “infiltration.” The incident occurred near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province, just over 100 miles from Florida, according to a statement from Cuba’s Interior Ministry. The confrontation
The post International News: Cuba fatally shoots 4 aboard Florida-registered speedboat appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.