According to the Cuban government, a speedboat registered to the state of Florida entered Cuban waters on the island nation’s north side on Wednesday morning.
“When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel,” the Ministry of the Interior said.
When the Cuban troops returned fire, four people on the Florida boat were killed, and six others were injured. All injured parties were evacuated and treated for their injuries.
It is not clear who was in the Florida boat, where they were from, why they were in Cuban waters, and why they fired on the Cuban vessel.
“In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region,” the ministry said.
Florida AG James Uthmeier released a statement on X.