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| Volume 56 Number 6, February 28, 2026 | ARCHIVE | HOME | JBCENTRE | SUBSCRIBE |
Latin American conference, London, February
2026
On the morning of February 25, 2026, a speedboat was detected violating Cuban territorial waters. The vessel, registered in Florida, approached up to one nautical mile north-east of the El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.
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. As a consequence of the confrontation four aggressors on the foreign vessel were killed and six were injured. The injured individuals were evacuated and received medical assistance.
The Cuba authorities have confirmed that they are investigating this armed attack against a patrol vessel of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior. In a statement on February 26, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that the intercepted speedboat, registered in the state of Florida, was carrying 10 armed individuals who, according to preliminary statements by those detained, intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes. Assault rifles were seized, along with sniper rifles, pistols, Molotov cocktails, multiple tactical assault gear including night vision equipment, bulletproof vests, assault bayonets, camouflage clothing, ammunition of various calibres, combat rations, communication equipment, and a significant number of monograms from counter-revolutionary terrorist organisations.
All participants are Cuban nationals residing in the United States. Most have prior records involving criminal and violent activity, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who appear on Cuba's National List of individuals and entities designated pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, international law, and Cuban domestic legislation. They are currently under criminal investigation and are wanted by Cuban authorities for their alleged involvement in the promotion, planning, organisation, financing, support, or execution of terrorist acts in Cuba or abroad.
In addition, Cuban national Duniel Hernández Santos was arrested within Cuban national territory. He had allegedly been sent from the United States to facilitate the landing and reception of the armed group and has confessed to his role.
A statement by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, pointed out that from the very outset, upon determining that the vessel had departed from United States territory, the Cuban authorities have maintained communication with their US counterparts - including the Department of State and the Coast Guard - regarding this terrorist attempt. An investigation is currently underway to fully clarify the facts with the utmost rigour. The Cuban government, the statement said, is willing to exchange information with the United States government concerning this incident.
The statement continued: "Among other requests, we will ask the US authorities - through the existing mechanisms between the two countries - for information about the individuals involved, the vessel used, among other details. US government authorities have expressed their willingness to co-operate in clarifying these regrettable events."
The statement of the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister went on to emphasise that this is not an isolated act. He pointed out: "For over 60 years, Cuba has been the victim of aggression and countless terrorist acts, most of them have been organised, financed, and carried out from United States territory.
"In recent years, Cuban authorities have denounced the increase in violent and terrorist plans and actions against Cuba, as well as the prevailing sense of impunity among the organisers and perpetrators in the face of inaction against them. Cuban authorities have regularly provided the US government with information on individuals who in recent years have been involved in promoting, financing, and organising violent and terrorist acts against Cuba.
"This information includes the National List of individuals and entities that have been subject to criminal investigations and are wanted by Cuban authorities due to their participation in acts of terrorism. It is compiled in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, the norms and principles of international law, and domestic legislation."
Carlos Fernández de Cossío clarified that anti-Cuban groups operating in the United States resort to terrorism as an expression of their hatred to Cuba and the impunity they believe they enjoy. Cuba, he said, reaffirms its absolute and categorical commitment against all terrorist acts, methods, and practices in all their forms and manifestations. "Our country," the Deputy Foreign Minister said, "maintains an exemplary record in combating terrorism and has fulfilled - and will continue to honour - the commitments it has undertaken in this area. Cuba is a State Party to the 19 international conventions on terrorism and has accordingly implemented legal and institutional measures aimed at effectively combating this scourge. Cuba has the duty and responsibility to protect its territorial waters."
In the face of the current challenges the country, its government and its people are facing, Cuba is reaffirming its determination to protect its territorial waters, safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region.
The statement concludes by emphasising: "Our actions are consistent with the international law, which applies to all countries, including the United States itself. Furthermore, they are part of the Cuban state´s national defence as an indispensable pillar for safeguarding our sovereignty, as well as the lives, security, and well-being of Cubans."
(Cubaminrex)