4 killed, 6 injured after boat opens fire on Cuban border guards

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Four people are dead and six people are injured after a violent confrontation with Cuban border guards, according to the Cuban government.

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior said on Wednesday morning, a “violating speedboat” registered in Florida entered Cuban waters, approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Cayo Falcones on the island nation’s north side.

“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.

The Cuban troops returned fire, killing four of the people on the boat and injuring six others. The injured on both sides were evacuated and treated for their injuries.

“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.

The case is under investigation. American officials have yet to address the situation.

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