February 26, 2026 | 12:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Cuban government reported on Wednesday an armed attack from a boat licensed in the state of Florida, United States.
In a statement as reported by Anadolu, the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba mentioned that the vessel violated the territorial waters of Cuba, an island nation about 150 kilometers from the southern tip of Florida.
The ministry said a boat with registration number FL7726SH approached within one nautical mile of a channel in Falcones Cay, located on the northern coast of Cuba about 200 kilometers east of the capital, Havana.
The US boat was detected about 1 nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, off the northern coast of Cayo Falcones Island.
The Cuban authorities responded to the intrusion by sending five border guard personnel.
The Cuban personnel were shot at with firearms from the boat as they attempted to approach.
The Cuban commander involved in the operation was reported injured in the shootout, while four of the suspected attackers died.
Six other individuals from the US boat were injured, and they have all been taken to medical facilities in Cuba for further treatment.
"When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel," the ministry said.
Amid the ongoing challenges, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to defend its territorial waters, emphasizing that national defense is crucial to protect its sovereignty and ensure regional stability.
“In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region,” according to a written statement from the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba.
The armed attack occurred amid tension and pressure from the US on the island nation.
US President Donald Trump vowed to witness the "fall" of the island while maintaining an embargo that has caused severe energy shortages in Cuba.
Florida Attorney General Investigates Incident
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said on Wednesday that his office had launched an investigation into the maritime incident involving Cuba.
"I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation," Uthmeier said on X social media platform, as reported by Anadolu.
The statement came after Cuba said its troops shot and killed four individuals and injured six others on a fast boat registered in Florida after it was alleged to have entered Cuban waters and fired on a Cuban patrol boat.
"The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable," Uthmeier said.
Read: Cuba Faces Dire Jet Fuel Shortage Amid Trump's Blockade
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Airlines Start Halting Flights to Cuba Amid US Fuel Blockade
14 hari lalu
Three Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a lack of guaranteed fuel supply. Germany also issued a travel warning.
Cuba Faces Dire Jet Fuel Shortage Amid Trump's Blockade
15 hari lalu
International flights will no longer be able to refuel in Cuba due to a shortage of jet fuel.
US Oil Blockade: How Long Before Cuba Collapses?
19 hari lalu
As the US oil embargo on Cuba takes hold, the country is rapidly running out of fuel.
Cuba President Open to Dialogue with US, Rejects 'Pressure'
19 hari lalu
The U.S. has prevented oil shipments to Cuba in recent weeks, plunging the country into deeper and more frequent blackouts.
Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Selling Oil to Cuba
27 hari lalu
The move, aimed at cutting off oil supplies to Cuba, could further aggravate an already deep energy crisis in the Caribbean island.
Cuba Defiant in Face of "Criminal" US Threats
45 hari lalu
After abducting the leader of Venezuela, the US is now threatening Cuba.
Trump Claims Cubans Killed in US Raid to Capture Maduro
53 hari lalu
President Trump claimed on Saturday that many Cubans died when US forces attacked Venezuela and kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro.
Five Arrested in Peru Over Murder of Indonesian Embassy Staffer Zetro Purba
15 September 2025
The Peruvian National Police (PNP) have arrested five suspects in the murder of Zetro Leonardo Purba, a staff member of the Indonesian Embassy in Lima who was killed on the night of September 1st.
Cuban Minister Resigns After Claiming Beggars Are Faking It
16 Juli 2025
Cuban Minister of Labor and Social Security resigns after criticizing the profession of begging.
Cuba Faces Uphill Battle as Oropouche Virus Spreads
31 Agustus 2024
Cuban health authorities launched small-scale fumigation efforts in Havana on Friday, August 30, to fight the spread of the Oropouche virus.
