Cuba Labels Florida Speedboat Passengers as ‘Terrorists’ After Clash

Cuban authorities have classified the passengers of a US-registered speedboat as “terrorists” with a violent history, following a deadly confrontation on February 25, 2024. Four individuals were killed and six others injured when the boat engaged in a firefight with Cuban border guards near Cayo Falcones, highlighting escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba.

According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the speedboat, which was detected within one nautical mile of the El Pino Channel, was carrying ten individuals who allegedly planned to infiltrate the island for terrorist activities. The ministry stated that most passengers had “known histories of criminal and violent activity,” with two men—Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez—identified as being on Cuba’s ‘Most Wanted’ list. The government accused them of involvement in the “promotion, planning, and financing” of terror plots both domestically and internationally.

The confrontation reportedly began when the boat opened fire on Cuban border guards, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. In response, the Cuban authorities claimed that four assailants were killed during the exchange, with six others receiving medical assistance after being evacuated. The ministry confirmed that Duniel Hernández Santos had been arrested, described as a facilitator sent from the United States to coordinate the infiltration.

A US official provided a contrasting account of the incident, stating that the speedboat was part of a civilian flotilla aimed at assisting relatives in Cuba. This official clarified that the vessel was not affiliated with the US Navy or Coast Guard, as reported by the New York Times.

In the aftermath, US Senator Marco Rubio addressed reporters, indicating that US authorities were actively gathering intelligence to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. He noted, “We have various different elements of the US government that are trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now.”

Florida Republican Representative Carlos Gimenez condemned the Cuban government, alleging that it had “murdered” American citizens in the incident. He described the Cuban regime as a dictatorship that must be relegated to “the dustbin of history,” calling for an immediate investigation into what he termed a “massacre.”

The incident has drawn international attention, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness advocating for dialogue between Cuba and the United States. He emphasized the need for responsible leadership to ease tensions and promote regional stability. His remarks prompted a vehement response from Gimenez, who accused Holness of covering for the Cuban government, indicating that “Jamaica will face the consequences.”

This confrontation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, underscoring the ongoing complexities of relations in the region. As both governments navigate this incident, the implications for US-Cuba relations remain a critical area of concern for observers and policymakers alike.