Cuba intercepts armed boat from Florida coast

2026-02-26 - 07:22

Cuban authorities announced that security forces intercepted a speedboat registered in the US state of Florida after it entered Cuban territorial waters along the island’s northern coastline. According to the Interior Ministry, the vessel carried 10 armed individuals allegedly intending to conduct what officials described as a terrorist infiltration into Cuba. Deadly exchange off northern coast In an initial statement, the ministry said the boat opened fire on Cuban border guards shortly after crossing into national waters, wounding one officer. The confrontation ended with four suspected attackers killed and six others injured. Cuban security forces subsequently secured the vessel and detained the surviving individuals. Weapons cache seized Authorities reported confiscating a range of weapons and tactical equipment from the speedboat, including assault rifles, handguns, body armor, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms. Officials also said improvised explosive devices resembling Molotov cocktails were recovered during the operation, underscoring what Havana described as the seriousness of the alleged plot. Suspects identified, investigation widens The Interior Ministry named six detainees as Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. Michel Ortega Casanova was identified among those killed, while authorities said efforts continue to confirm the identities of three additional deceased individuals. Officials stated that all participants are Cuban nationals residing in the United States and alleged that most have prior criminal records linked to violent offenses. According to the ministry, Sanchez Gonzalez and Cruz Gomez are listed under designations tied to UN Security Council Resolution 1373 concerning counterterrorism measures. Separately, Cuban national Duniel Hernandez Santos was detained داخل Cuba on accusations of assisting the group’s landing and reception. Authorities said he admitted involvement. The investigation remains ongoing.