Deadly Boat Attack Sparks Tensions Between Cuba and U.S.

 

Cuba has sharply criticized the United States following a deadly maritime confrontation that left four Cuban nationals dead and six others wounded. The incident occurred when heavily armed Cuban exiles attempted to infiltrate Cuban waters aboard a Florida-registered speedboat.

The Incident

According to Cuban authorities, the assailants, armed with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests, and telescopic sights, tried to enter Cuban territory on Wednesday. Cuban forces responded with gunfire, killing four and capturing six others.

Cuba claims that two of the surviving suspects, Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Cruz Gomez, were previously wanted for plots targeting municipal courts and military units. The remaining survivors are identified as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, and Roberto Alvarez Avila.

The attack happened amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, especially after U.S. sanctions tightened following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a close Cuban ally.

Cuba’s Reaction

Cuba’s government accused anti-Cuban groups operating in the United States of using “terrorism as an expression of their hatred” toward the island nation. Cuban officials also stated that the U.S. had been warned about such violent plans in the past but allegedly took no action.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a defiant statement on social media, saying:

“Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that seeks to affect its sovereignty and national stability.”

The six wounded suspects were hospitalized under heavy guard at the Arnaldo Milian Castro Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital in Santa Clara, about 250 km east of Havana.

U.S. Response

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. government is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. He emphasized that no U.S. personnel were involved and that the government is working to determine if any of the survivors are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Broader Context

Cuban exiles, primarily in Miami, have a long history of anti-government activity, including sabotage and attacks targeting Cuba. The island nation has accused the United States of allowing these groups to operate with impunity, adding another layer of tension to the already strained bilateral relationship.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in U.S.-Cuba relations, particularly amid sanctions, an oil shortage, and persistent political friction. Both nations are now facing international scrutiny over the use of force, sovereignty, and the safety of civilians in such confrontations.