Cuban authorities confirmed on Thursday that a Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban waters near Falcones Cay, approximately 200 km east of Havana, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. According to Cuba's Interior Ministry, the vessel opened fire on a border patrol unit, prompting a response that left four individuals dead and six wounded. A Cuban patrol commander was also injured during the exchange.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no U.S. government personnel were involved in the incident, adding that the embassy in Havana would independently verify details. The speedboat, registered under Florida number FL7726SH, remains unidentified in terms of its occupants. Cuban officials emphasized the incident is under investigation but reiterated their commitment to defending territorial sovereignty.
The clash occurs amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions, including a near-total U.S. blockade on oil shipments to the island. Rubio criticized Cuba's government on Wednesday, calling for "dramatic" reforms. Historical precedents, such as a 2022 skirmish where Cuban forces killed a suspected smuggler, highlight ongoing challenges in curbing unauthorized maritime activity.
Despite decades of strained relations, cooperation on issues like human smuggling has occasionally bridged divides, notably during the Obama administration. Analysts suggest the latest incident could further complicate efforts to stabilize cross-strait dynamics in the Caribbean.
