Cuba Coast Guard Shoots 4 on US Boat, Tensions Rise

Cuba’s coast guard shot dead four people and wounded six others after an exchange of gunfire with a US-registered speedboat near the island’s northern coast, according to Cuba’s interior ministry. The incident has triggered fresh tensions between Havana and Washington.

What Happened

The Cuban interior ministry said the coast guard intercepted an “illegal” US vessel, registration number FL7726SH, about one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones island. The boat was registered in Florida.

According to Cuban authorities, shots were first fired from the speedboat, injuring the commander of the Cuban coast guard vessel. In response, Cuban forces returned fire.

“As a result of the clash, four aggressors were killed and six others were wounded,” the ministry said. The injured were evacuated and given medical treatment. Cuba did not reveal the nationalities of those on board or explain why the boat was approaching the island.

The ministry said investigations are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Cuban territorial waters.

US Response

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is seeking its own facts about the shooting.

“We’re not going to base our conclusions on what they’ve told us,” Rubio said during a visit to Saint Kitts and Nevis. He added that the US would respond after gathering more information.

US Vice President JD Vance said the White House is monitoring the situation and has been briefed, but noted that details remain limited.

The Attorney General of Florida has ordered an investigation into the incident. Florida lies about 100 miles (160 km) from Cuba across the Florida Straits.

Possible Smuggling Link

Cuban authorities often report incursions by speedboats from the United States. Such incidents are frequently linked to people-smuggling or drug trafficking. Past cases have involved chases, shootouts and attacks on border guards.

In recent years, economic hardship in Cuba — including shortages of food and medicine and frequent blackouts — has driven many people to migrate, often heading to southern Florida.

Wider Political Context

The shooting comes at a sensitive time in US-Cuba relations. The United States has maintained a trade embargo on Cuba since shortly after Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution.

Earlier this year, Washington imposed strict measures on Cuban oil supplies following the US-backed ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Cuba had relied on Venezuela for about half of its fuel needs.

After concerns from Caribbean leaders about the impact on Cuba’s 9.6 million people, the US allowed limited Venezuelan oil shipments for commercial and humanitarian use. The US Treasury said the oil must go through private businesses, not the Cuban government or military-controlled entities.

Meanwhile, Mexico recently sent two military vessels carrying nearly 2,200 tons of aid to Cuba, and Canada announced Can$8 million in assistance.

Investigations into the boat shooting are ongoing on both sides, and further details are expected in the coming days.