Stolen speedboat enters Cuban waters; four killed, six wounded and arrested during encounter with U.S. citizens involved.
Overview of the Incident
On Wednesday, a stolen speedboat entered Cuban waters with American citizens aboard. This incident resulted in significant casualties as four people were killed and six others were wounded and arrested by Cuba's coast guard. One U.S. citizen was among those killed, and at least one other American was detained.
Details of the Encounter
According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the boat approached within one nautical mile northeast of El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones when Cuban forces requested identification. The occupants reportedly opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban vessel. The U.S. confirmed that at least one citizen had a K-1 visa and others were believed to be legal permanent residents.
Cuban Official Statements
Cuba's interior ministry identified the deceased as Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Hector Duani Cruz Correa. The six survivors who were arrested included Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, and Roberto Álvarez Ávila.
U.S. Reactions
The U.S. government did not provide further details beyond Cuban authorities' statements. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that investigations were underway by the Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and other agencies to determine the full extent of the incident. The Cuban Embassy in the U.S. emphasized ongoing communication with their American counterparts regarding this alleged terrorist attempt.
Background and Context
The stolen boat was registered in Florida as FL7726SH and belonged to Angel Walter Montera. He had not given permission for anyone to use it, suspecting his former employee, Hector Duardy Cruz Correa, of unauthorized use. Misael Ortega Casanova, brother of Michael Ortega Casanova, described his sibling's mission as "obsessive and diabolical," aiming to overthrow Cuba's communist government.
Recent Tensions
These events follow heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba due to recent sanctions imposed by President Trump. The measures were part of a broader strategy against Venezuela, including capturing former President Nicolás Maduro, further straining relations between the two nations.
Ongoing Investigation
Cuba's embassy expressed willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities in clarifying the facts surrounding this incident and requested information on those involved, the means used, and other details through existing mechanisms. The U.S. government has shown a readiness to collaborate in this investigation.
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