The Cuban government has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States regarding a maritime confrontation that occurred earlier this week off its coast, resulting in the deaths of four individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel.
In an official statement, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that Cuban authorities have been in communication with their American counterparts, including the Department of State and the Coast Guard, following what he characterized as an "attempted infiltration with terrorist intentions" by 10 individuals.
"The Cuban government is open to discussions with the United States about this incident," the diplomat stated, noting that further information about those involved, the vessel used, and other specifics would be requested through existing bilateral channels.
Fernández de Cossío highlighted that U.S. authorities have shown a willingness to assist in clarifying the events, while a thorough investigation is ongoing in Cuba to uncover the facts with accuracy.
The Deputy Minister released the names of the 10 people involved in the incident, including the four deceased: Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, Héctor Duani Cruz Correa, and Pavel Alling Peña. He also addressed an earlier error in initial reports that mistakenly included Rolando Roberto Ascorra Consuegra, asserting he was not part of the group, although he is allegedly linked to violent actions against Cuba.
Cuban authorities claim that a variety of weapons were found on the vessel, such as assault and sniper rifles, pistols, Molotov cocktails, night vision equipment, bulletproof vests, ammunition, and other materials, which the official narrative suggests indicate a violent plan. They noted the information is preliminary, with more details expected in the coming days.
Havana framed the event within a broader context of what it describes as a long history of aggressions orchestrated from U.S. territory.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that two individuals, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordán Enrique Cruz Gómez, are listed on a national registry of wanted persons for alleged terrorist links. This list was reportedly shared with the United States in 2023 and 2025, yet no response has been received to date.
Fernández de Cossío affirmed that Cuba has repeatedly condemned the impunity with which, in its view, anti-Cuban groups operate in the United States and reaffirmed Cuba's "absolute and categorical commitment" against all forms of terrorism.
"The Cuban state has the duty and responsibility to protect its territorial waters," he asserted, defending the authorities' actions within the framework of international law and national sovereignty defense.
This announcement comes as Washington has declared it will conduct its own investigation into the confrontation amid heightened political and diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
Questions about the Cuban Maritime Incident and U.S. Relations
What was the nature of the maritime incident near Cuba?
The incident involved a confrontation at sea between Cuban security forces and a vessel registered in Florida, resulting in four deaths. Cuban authorities described it as an attempted infiltration with terrorist objectives.
How is Cuba planning to address this situation with the United States?
Cuban officials have expressed their readiness to engage in discussions with the United States to clarify the incident, seeking further information through existing bilateral channels.
What stance has the Cuban government taken regarding the incident?
The Cuban government has framed the event within a historical pattern of U.S.-based aggressions and has emphasized its commitment to counter-terrorism and the protection of its territorial waters.