What Happened
Cuban soldiers killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban waters and opened fire first on soldiers, according to a statement from the Cuban government. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with the Cuban Interior Ministry reporting that the wounded were evacuated and receiving medical attention.
Why It Matters
This incident is significant as it occurs amid heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, particularly following the U.S. blockade of oil shipments to the island. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that no U.S. government personnel were involved and emphasized the unusual nature of such shootouts in open sea, stating, “it’s not something that happens every day.” The U.S. is currently investigating whether any of the victims were American citizens or permanent residents.
What’s Next
The Cuban government has stated that the matter is under investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting. U.S. officials are gathering information to independently verify the details of the incident, as they await confirmation regarding the identities of those involved.
