Havana identifies ‘terrorist infiltrators’ from US

The suspects’ boat was loaded with tactical gear, assault rifles and improvised explosives, according to Cuban authorities

Cuba’s Interior Ministry has released new findings from its investigation into the deadly gunfight between Cuban border guards and a US‑flagged speedboat, saying the vessel carried 10 armed men whom authorities allege intended to execute a “terrorist infiltration.”

Havana said the clash erupted Wednesday when border guards approached a Florida‑registered vessel, FL7726SH, operating roughly one nautical mile off the northern coast of Villa Clara province for an identification check. The individuals aboard the boat allegedly opened fire first, wounding the commander of a Cuban patrol craft before guards returned fire, killing four people and injuring six others.

Cuban officials said weapons and tactical gear were found aboard, including assault rifles, sidearms, handmade explosive devices such as Molotov cocktails, ballistic vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms – equipment the ministry said was consistent with an attempted “infiltration with terrorist objectives.”

READ MORE: Cuban border guards kill four gunmen on US-flagged speedboat

Among those killed in the firefight, Cuban authorities have so far identified Michel Ortega Casanova and said they are still working to identify the three remaining deceased.

Among those detained, authorities have identified all six participants by name, and some appear on Cuba’s “national list of individuals and entities” sought for alleged links to past violence and terrorist activities.

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All participants are believed to be Cuban nationals listed as residing in the United States. The Interior Ministry also announced the arrest of a seventh individual, Duniel Hernandez Santos, who allegedly confessed that he had been sent from the US in advance to coordinate the landing of the armed group.

Washington has denied any involvement in the incident, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisting the vessel did not belong to either the US Navy or the US Coast Guard. “Let’s have our own information on this, and we will find out exactly what happened,” Rubio told reporters, refusing to speculate until reviewing independent data.