On the morning of February 25, 2026, a violent clash in Cuban territorial waters led to the preliminary toll of four fatalities and seven injuries, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
Information disseminated by the pro-government Minint Hoy Facebook page revealed that authorities detected a high-speed boat with a registration from Florida, United States, bearing the number FL7726SH, navigating within Cuban waters.
The vessel was located about one nautical mile northeast of El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, part of the Corralillo municipality in the Villa Clara province.
The MININT disclosed that a surface unit from the Border Guard Troops, consisting of five personnel, approached the boat to ascertain its identification. According to the official narrative, shots were fired at the Cuban border guards from the "violating" vessel.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in injuries to the commander of the Cuban vessel.
The official report further states that, as of the closure of the information, four individuals aboard the boat were killed, and six others were wounded. The injured were evacuated and provided with medical attention, according to the statement.
Cuban authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing for a complete understanding of the incident.
The Ministry of the Interior reiterated the Cuban state's commitment to "protecting territorial waters" and stressed that national defense is a crucial pillar for safeguarding sovereignty and stability in the region.
At this time, no additional details regarding the identities of the deceased or the circumstances leading to the boat's incursion into Cuban waters have been disclosed.
Key Questions About the Armed Incident in Cuban Waters
What prompted the armed confrontation in Cuban waters?
The confrontation was initiated when a high-speed boat from Florida was detected navigating within Cuban waters, leading to an exchange of gunfire with Cuban border guards.
What are the current actions taken by Cuban authorities?
Cuban authorities are conducting ongoing investigations to fully clarify the events surrounding the incident.