After a prolonged period of silence from Cuba's leadership, Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly addressed an armed confrontation that occurred on the morning of February 25 in Cuban waters, resulting in four deaths and several injuries.
In a message shared on his social media, Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba will always "defend itself with determination and firmness."
"#Cuba does not attack or threaten. We have repeatedly stated, and we reaffirm today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that aims to affect its sovereignty and national stability," wrote the leader on social media.
The statement was released after a lengthy silence during which neither Díaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, nor Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla commented on the incident, which involved Cuban nationals residing in the United States and a Florida-registered boat.
Foreign Minister's Remarks on the Investigation
Prior to Díaz-Canel's message, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla announced on X that a "thorough investigation" is underway to clarify the events.
"Cuba has faced numerous terrorist and aggressive infiltrations from the US since 1959, with a high cost in lives, injuries, and material damage," the Foreign Minister remarked.
He added, "A thorough investigation is being conducted to clarify the events" and emphasized that "the defense of Cuba's coasts, national territory, and national security is an inescapable duty."
Details of the Clash in Villa Clara Waters
According to an informational note from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), a supposed "speedboat" with Florida registration (FL7726SH) was spotted navigating within Cuban waters, about one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.
As per the official account, a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops—comprising five members—approached the vessel for identification.
At that point, according to the statement, gunfire was opened against the Cuban military from the "offending" boat.
During the exchange of gunfire, the commander of the Cuban vessel was injured. The official report noted four casualties aboard the boat and six injured, who were evacuated and received medical attention.
MININT claimed that the boat was carrying ten armed individuals intending to enter Cuban territory with "terrorist purposes," based on preliminary statements from those detained.
Among those arrested are Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.
Additionally, Duniel Hernández Santos was apprehended on Cuban soil, allegedly linked to receiving the group.
Authorities reported the seizure of assault rifles, handguns, homemade incendiary devices, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. It was also noted that some of the individuals have criminal records, with two listed in national records related to previous investigations.
US Reactions and Political Implications
The public response from Díaz-Canel and Rodríguez Parrilla followed an initial period where the narrative was confined to MININT statements.
As analyzed by CiberCuba in a previous report, the absence of statements from top leadership fits a recurring pattern: in the face of sensitive episodes—social protests, migration crises, or high-impact violent events—the political power's initial reaction tends to be silence, while security organs set the official version of events.
Only later do political statements frame the incident within the regime's historical narrative.
In this instance, the official discourse places the confrontation within the context of "aggressions" and "terrorist actions" from the United States, reinforcing a rhetoric of defending national sovereignty.
The incident prompted immediate reaction in Washington and South Florida.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US government will "independently verify" what happened and will use official channels—including the embassy in Havana—to precisely determine the events.
Other figures such as Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernández, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar demanded that US authorities promptly clarify what occurred.
While Washington announces independent verifications and South Florida politicians demand transparency, Havana frames the incident as an attempt of "terrorist and mercenary" aggression, asserting its right to armed defense of its coasts.
Díaz-Canel's message—"Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression"—escalates the political tone of the incident and embeds it within the historical narrative of confrontation with the United States.
Understanding the Cuban Maritime Incident
What triggered the armed confrontation off the Cuban coast?
The confrontation was triggered when a Florida-registered speedboat was detected in Cuban waters, and gunfire was exchanged between the boat and Cuban military forces attempting to identify it.
What was Cuba's response to the incident?
Cuban leaders, including Miguel Díaz-Canel, responded by asserting that Cuba would defend its sovereignty with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression.
How did the United States react to the incident?
The United States, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed intentions to independently verify the events and use official channels to determine the facts of the incident.