The Cuban Coast Guard ship. Archive photo Yamil Lage / AFP.
According to information provided by the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the incident occurred when Cuban border guards opened fire on a boat that entered their territorial waters near Cayo Falcones Island in Villa Clara Province. The vessel, flying the American flag, opened fire, resulting in the commander of the Cuban boat being injured, which forced the border guards to return fire.
Details of the Incident
Four people on the boat were killed, and six others were injured and sent to hospitals for medical assistance. Information regarding the nationality of the injured and deceased has not yet been confirmed.The incident occurred approximately 160 kilometers off the coast of Florida.
Reaction from American Authorities
U.S. authorities have begun an investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident. Politicians from Florida are demanding to determine whether there were American citizens among the deceased or injured, as well as to assess the legality of the use of force by Cuban border guards.According to CNN, the U.S. State Department has requested additional information from Cuban authorities.
Cuba, for its part, confirmed that it is conducting its own investigation and stated its determination to protect its territorial waters and sovereignty.
