Havana: Relations between Cuba and the United States have become increasingly strained following an incident in which Cuban forces fired upon a U.S. speedboat, killing four people and injuring six.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cuban Interior Ministry stated that Cuban forces fired upon a speedboat registered in Florida because it had encroached on Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on a Cuban patrol boat. Some of those on board were previously wanted individuals by Cuban authorities. They had traveled from the United States and were heavily armed with assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices, bulletproof vests, and telescopic sights to enhance their aiming accuracy.
The clash resulted in the deaths of four people on the boat and injuries to six others, all of whom were hospitalized. The Interior Ministry stated that initial investigations revealed the group intended to infiltrate the country for terrorist purposes. Additionally, one Cuban suspect, who had traveled from the United States, was arrested in Cuba on charges related to the plot. A Cuban patrol commander was also shot and wounded.
This incident occurred amidst strained relations between Cuba and the United States due to US pressure on the Cuban communist government. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would investigate the facts and draw its own conclusions, while denying any US operation and the involvement of any US government personnel.
While Florida state officials, along with some Republican politicians, are calling for a thorough investigation, local authorities will cooperate with the federal government to determine if any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents, and to clearly identify what happened. They also stated that the Cuban government must be held responsible for the incident.