The Russian government has labeled the incident that occurred on Wednesday in Cuban waters as an "aggressive provocation" by the United States. This confrontation resulted in the deaths of four crew members on a U.S.-registered boat during a clash with Cuban security forces.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, informed the TASS news agency that Washington's intent is to "escalate tensions and incite conflict."
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman, emphasized the importance of restraint and remarked that the Cuban forces' response to the shooting was appropriate. "The humanitarian aspect is paramount. The humanitarian issues faced by Cuban citizens must be addressed without obstruction," Peskov told RIA.
On the Cuban side, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that a "thorough investigation" is underway to clarify the armed confrontation that took place. "Cuba has faced numerous terrorist and aggressive infiltrations from the U.S. since 1959, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and material damage," the Foreign Minister noted on X.
In the same message, he added, "A thorough investigation is being conducted to clarify the events."
The Confrontation: What Happened?
The armed incident was reported on the morning of Wednesday, February 25, in Cuban territorial waters, specifically in the northeastern area of El Pino Channel, Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara.
According to an informative note released by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), authorities detected a fast boat registered in Florida, identified with the folio FL7726SH, navigating in Cuban waters.
Official reports state that five Border Guard Troops approached the vessel to identify it, but were met with gunfire from the boat, wounding the patrol commander. During the altercation, four individuals were killed and six injured, all of whom were evacuated and given medical attention.
Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova, a resident of Tampa, with the identities of the other three yet to be disclosed. Casa Cuba of Tampa described Ortega Casanova as "a patriot, a man committed to the cause of freedom and a member of the Cuban Republican Party."
Who Were Aboard the Boat?
The MININT reported that the boat was carrying 10 armed individuals, all Cuban residents in the United States, with some having criminal records.
The injured and detained include 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, associated with the group's reception, was arrested on Cuban soil.
In the aftermath of the operation, Cuban authorities seized assault rifles, handguns, improvised incendiary devices, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms.
This incident occurs amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Havana, exacerbated by U.S. restrictions on the import of Venezuelan oil to Cuba and the ongoing economic crisis on the island.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington will conduct its own independent investigation into the incident and will respond "accordingly," emphasizing that the United States does not base its decisions solely on information provided by Cuban authorities.
Key Questions About the Cuban Waters Incident
What triggered the confrontation in Cuban waters?
The confrontation was triggered when Cuban Border Guard Troops approached a U.S.-registered boat to identify it, and the boat's crew opened fire, resulting in a shootout.
Who were the individuals involved in the incident?
The boat was carrying 10 armed individuals, all Cuban residents in the U.S., some with criminal histories. Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova from Tampa.
How did the Russian government react to the incident?
Russia accused the U.S. of an "aggressive provocation," asserting that Washington aims to escalate tensions and provoke conflict.