‘Infiltration for terrorism purpose’: What Cuba said on motorboat incident amid US tensions

Cuban forces on Wednesday killed four people who were sailing in Cuban waters on a Florida-flagged ship.

As Cuban forces killed four and injured six who were sailing in a Florida-flagged speedboat on Wednesday, the interior ministry said the groups on the ship ‘intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes’. Track updates on Iran-US tensions

People approach the entrance of the Provincial Clinical–Surgical Hospital "Arnaldo Milian Castro," where, according to local information, injured people were being treated after an armed incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat and a Cuban patrol, at a time of heightened tensions with the United State. (REUTERS)

The Cuban forces retaliated and attacked the speedboat after they reportedly opened fire on Cuba's border patrol. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States.

What Cuba said on the incident

The group that was sailing in the Cuban waters was comprised of anti-government Cubans, some of whom were previously wanted for plotting attacks, Cuba's interior ministry said, news agency Reuters reported, adding that the group came from the United States dressed in camouflage and armed with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests and telescopic sights.

"According to preliminary statements from the detainees, they intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes," the Interior Ministry said in an official statement, according to Reuters.

Those who were injured in the shooting by Cuban forces were evacuated and are under treatment. A Cuban patrol commander was also reportedly wounded.

US denies involvement

Denying any involvement in the incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quoted as saying that it was not a US operation, neither were any US government personnel involved. Rubio said that they were informed about the incident by the Cuban authorities, adding that the US embassy in Havana would attempt to independently verify what happened.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters in a departure lounge before returning to Washington following meetings with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis on February 25, 2026. Rubio met with Caribbean leaders seeking a common line on Venezuela and pressure on Cuba. He also addressed President Donald Trump's priorities, including combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking and regional security. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst / POOL / AFP)

"We are going to have our own information on this, we are going to figure out exactly what happened, and there are a number of things that could have happened here," Rubio was quoted as saying.

"Suffice to say it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that," he said.

The incident took place as the United States has blocked virtually all oil shipments to the island, increasing pressure on the Communist-run government.