On the morning of February 25, in the area of the El-Pino canal, located in the province of Villa Clara, a boat with Florida identification numbers violated Cuban territorial waters. When Cuban border guards approached the vessel, the crew of the boat began shooting at them.
As a result of this confrontation, four crew members of the American boat were killed, and six others were injured. The injured were evacuated and are receiving necessary medical assistance. The commander of the Cuban vessel was also wounded.
Cuban authorities stated: "In the face of modern challenges, Cuba remains committed to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is the cornerstone of the Cuban state and stability in the region."
This incident occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Cuba and the United States, which has resulted in nearly all oil supplies to the island being blocked, causing a fuel crisis in Cuba.
Nevertheless, on February 25, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced its intention to allow the resale of some Venezuelan oil to support the Cuban private sector using special licenses.
