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Four Dead in Villa Clara After Incident with Florida Speedboat

Cuba's Ministry of the Interior reports the interception of a speedboat near Cayo Falcones, resulting in four crew members deceased.

Aroma de Cuba · · 2 min read
Representation of a speedboat near the Cuban coastline under dramatic lighting.

Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior (Minint) reported this Wednesday a serious incident in Cuban territorial waters that resulted in the death of four people. According to the official statement, border guard forces intercepted a speedboat with Florida, USA registration, which allegedly attempted an “infiltration for terrorist purposes.”

Details of the Incident in Villa Clara

The operation took place northeast of Cayo Falcones, in the municipality of Corralillo, Villa Clara province. Cuban authorities detected the vessel, identified with registration number FL7726SH, one nautical mile off the coast.

According to the government’s version, 10 armed individuals were on board the boat. During the interception maneuver, a clash occurred in which Cuban agents opened fire, causing the death of four crew members. The other six individuals were detained and are currently under investigation.

Tensions Between Cuba and the United States

This event occurs at a time of extreme diplomatic tension and internal crisis on the island. While the Cuban government describes the event as an act of “mercenary aggression,” sectors in the exile community and international observers question the use of lethal force and call for a transparent investigation into what happened in the waters of Villa Clara.

The incident recalls past episodes of the convulsive relationship between both countries and adds pressure to the already complicated humanitarian negotiations that, according to recent reports, are being handled between Washington and Havana.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where exactly did the shooting occur?
Near Cayo Falcones, north of Villa Clara province, in the municipality of Corralillo.

2. How many people died on the boat?
The official Minint report confirms four dead and six detained.

3. What was the registration of the involved vessel?
The speedboat had a registration from the state of Florida, USA, specifically FL7726SH.

4. What charges is the Cuban government presenting?
Authorities qualify the incursion as an “infiltration for terrorist purposes” meant to destabilize the country.

This incident adds to a series of critical events in Cuba during February 2026:

Sources: CNN en Español, BBC News Mundo, El País.

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