US Responds After Cuban Border Guards Kill Four in Clash with Florida-Registered Speedboat Near Villa Clara

CARIBBEAN - Cuban border guard troops engaged a Florida-registered speedboat in waters near Cayo Falcones, Villa Clara province, on February 25, killing four occupants and wounding six others after the vessel’s crew allegedly opened fire first, injuring a Cuban commander.

Cuban authorities reported that a separate Cuban national was arrested on the island for allegedly facilitating the landing.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American authorities are conducting an independent investigation and will not rely solely on Cuban-provided information, describing the incident as highly unusual.

Incident Details

According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, on the morning of February 25 Cuban Border Guard Troops from the Ministry of the Interior detected the speedboat approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel at Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.

The ministry stated a patrol vessel with five personnel approached for identification. Cuban officials reported that the speedboat’s occupants opened fire, wounding the Cuban commander.

The statement said that Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in four reported deaths and six injuries among the ten individuals aboard. The injured were evacuated for medical treatment.

Seized items reported by the Ministry included assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, body armor, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. The ministry described the incident as an attempted landing.

Assessment: The Cuban account of who fired first and the group’s intent relies entirely on statements from the ministry and preliminary detainee interviews under conditions that remain unknown. Independent verification would require access to the vessel, forensic analysis of weapons fire, and direct interviews with survivors. Until such evidence is available, the sequence of events and claimed purpose stay unconfirmed by any non-Cuban source. Watch for any U.S. forensic findings or third-party AIS data that might clarify the vessel’s approach and actions.

Cuban authorities reported that a seventh Cuban national, Duniel Hernández Santos, was arrested within Cuban territory. The ministry’s statement indicated he was sent from the United States to facilitate the group’s landing and has confessed to his role.

Identified Individuals

Cuban authorities identified the following detained individuals:

• Amijail Sánchez González

• Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez

• Conrado Galindo Sariol

• José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló

• Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara

• Roberto Azcorra Consuegra

The ministry stated Michel Ortega Casanova was identified among the deceased. Cuban officials reported identification efforts continue for the remaining three fatalities.

According to Cuban authorities, all participants are Cuban nationals residing in the United States. Several, including Sánchez González and Cruz Gómez, have prior records of criminal and violent activity and are designated under Cuban domestic legislation implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1373 for alleged involvement in promoting, planning, organizing, financing, supporting, or executing terrorist acts.

Assessment: Cuban designations under UNSCR 1373 are domestic applications of the resolution and have not been independently verified by other governments or international bodies. The individuals’ prior records in Cuba are cited only by Cuban sources. U.S. law enforcement records would provide the clearest cross-check on criminal history and any U.S.-based activities. The absence of public U.S. confirmation on the individuals’ status leaves open questions about their exact residency and travel patterns.

U.S. Government Response

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Saint Kitts and Nevis, stated that U.S. authorities - including the Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard - are conducting their own investigation.

​ Rubio emphasized that the United States would determine the facts independently and expressed confidence in establishing what occurred.

U.S. officials have requested access to individuals and related information. No public indication has emerged from U.S. officials of direct government involvement or prior knowledge of the operation.

Assessment: The U.S. decision to run a parallel investigation signals standard practice when U.S. residents are involved in a lethal incident with foreign forces, but it also highlights the lack of trust in the Cuban account. Diplomatic access to survivors and the vessel will be the key test of cooperation. If U.S. findings diverge significantly from the Cuban narrative, relations could face added strain at a time when both sides have limited channels for dialogue. Watch for any formal U.S. request for consular access or joint forensic review in the coming days.