Trending Now - Cuba Reveals Details on US Boat Shooting and Failed Mission

WHO:

Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior

1st Col. Ivey Daniel Carballo, Cuban Border Guard Troops

Victor Eduardo Álvarez Valle, head of Criminal Investigation for State Security at the Ministry of the Interior

Edward Robert Campbell, chief prosecutor of the directorate at the Attorney General’s Office

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

WHAT:

A Florida-flagged speedboat opened fire against Cuban troops.

Four suspects were killed in the incident.

Ten Cuban suspects left the U.S. in two boats; one boat failed, and supplies were transferred to the remaining boat.

Items aboard the boat included:

A dozen high-powered weapons (including one with a scope)

More than 12,800 pieces of ammunition

11 pistols

Heavy-duty boots

Helmets with cameras

Camouflage backpacks

The Cuban government reported that the suspects could face terrorism charges, which carry a possible sentence of 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or the death penalty (currently under moratorium).

The border guard boat sustained 13 bullet holes, while the suspect's vessel had 21 bullet holes.

WHERE:

Waters off the north coast of Cuba, specifically about one mile (1.6 kilometers) northeast of Cayo Falcones.

WHEN:

The incident occurred on February 24, 2026 (Wednesday).

Details were unveiled late on February 26, 2026 (Friday).

WHY:

Cuban officials described the incident as a terrorist action from a boat coming from the United States.

HOW:

The Cuban border patrol boat detected the intruder and approached within about 600 feet (185 meters) to investigate, but was met with high-caliber gunfire.

In a dramatic incident off the north coast of Cuba last Wednesday, a Florida-flagged speedboat opened fire on Cuban border troops, resulting in the deaths of four suspects. The Cuban government has reported that the suspects, who were armed with high-powered weapons and a large cache of ammunition, could face serious terrorism charges, which may carry penalties ranging from 30 years to life in prison or even the death penalty. Cuban officials have labeled the attack as a terrorist action originating from the United States, and the border guard boat sustained significant damage with 13 bullet holes from the exchange.