Cuba attack: Florida speedboat raid kills four exiles in Cuban waters

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Cuba confirmed that four heavily armed exiles were killed during a confrontation near its territorial waters. The incident, which occurred in the Florida Straits, involved a Florida-registered speedboat carrying anti-government Cubans who opened fire on a Cuban patrol, according to official reports. Cuban authorities said the group was equipped with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, ballistic vests, and telescopic sights, indicating a well-prepared attack. The focus keyword for this report is Cuba attack, highlighting the gravity of the maritime confrontation with exiles. Cuban authorities reported that six others were wounded and immediately received medical attention, including one patrol commander.

The Cuban interior ministry identified the attackers as previously wanted for plotting anti-state operations, emphasizing the threat posed by exiled groups. Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova, while the others have not yet been publicly named. Cuban officials also detained six individuals from the boat and an additional man on the island, claiming that all were involved in planning or facilitating the assault. Two of the detainees, Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, were reportedly wanted for terrorist activities in Cuba. The other four were named as Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, according to the ministry.

The United States government, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, clarified that the incident was not a US operation and denied any government involvement. Rubio confirmed that the Cuban authorities notified the US about the attack, while the US embassy in Havana would independently verify the events. “We’re not going to base our conclusions on what they’ve told us, and I’m confident we will know the full story soon,” Rubio stated. He further noted that the unusual nature of an armed shootout at sea would require careful assessment before any official response could be determined.

Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced a formal investigation, describing the Cuban government as untrustworthy. “We will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” he said, framing the incident within the larger context of ongoing US-Cuba tensions. These tensions are rooted in decades of historical confrontations, including the 1996 shootdown of two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. In that event, four Cuban exiles died while dropping leaflets over Havana, ending a brief thaw in US-Cuba relations and prompting the introduction of the Helms-Burton Act.

The maritime confrontation comes during a particularly sensitive period, as US-Cuba relations have been further complicated by recent energy and humanitarian crises. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuelan oil supplies, and US actions to control Venezuelan oil exports have intensified the island’s energy shortages. Blackouts across Cuba now last from 12 to 20 hours daily, affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. While the US Treasury Department has recently issued guidance allowing limited sales of Venezuelan-origin oil to private Cuban entities, the overall supply remains insufficient to meet national needs, leaving the government and its citizens under significant strain.

Cuba’s coastal geography makes the Florida Straits a hotspot for both migration and illegal maritime activity. The region’s shallow keys and bleached beaches are commonly used for makeshift rafts and speedboats attempting to reach the US. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, including 2022, when Cuban authorities returned fire against traffickers, resulting in several fatalities. That year, seven migrants died after their boat was rammed by the coast guard, underscoring the ongoing dangers of unauthorized sea crossings.

The broader geopolitical context has added complexity to these maritime tensions. The US has sought to exert pressure on Havana through both sanctions and operational strategies, particularly following a January attempt to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. These moves disrupted Cuba’s oil imports from Caracas, highlighting the island’s dependency on regional allies. Amid this tension, Secretary Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has advocated for firm measures against Havana, while Caribbean leaders emphasize the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation.

Cuba’s government framed the confrontation as a defensive response to armed aggression, noting the attackers were dressed in camouflage and heavily armed. Authorities stressed that such incursions threaten national security and could inspire further violent attempts from exile groups based in Florida. The Cuban ministry emphasized that detained individuals would face prosecution under Cuban law, framing the incident as part of a broader effort to protect the country from external subversion.

International reactions have been cautious but focused on humanitarian considerations. Canada announced US $6.7 million in food aid, while Mexico sent a second shipment of beans and powdered milk to Cuba, bypassing the Cuban government to ensure aid reached the people directly. Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders, including Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, encouraged dialogue between the US and Cuba, stressing the importance of reform, stability, and constructive engagement. Rubio engaged regional leaders to reassure them that the US seeks de-escalation while maintaining accountability for illegal maritime operations.

The timing of the attack is historically significant, occurring almost exactly thirty years after the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown. That event remains a source of diplomatic tension and a precedent for current US-Cuba relations. Legal disputes stemming from confiscated properties under the Helms-Burton Act continue, with cases reaching the US Supreme Court. Meanwhile, discussions about possible charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro for historical airspace violations add to the political sensitivities surrounding the region.

Cuba’s energy shortages, coupled with US regulatory guidance allowing private oil imports, highlight the delicate balance between sanctions, humanitarian needs, and international diplomacy. The limited distribution of fuel to private businesses and households excludes government institutions, reflecting both strategic caution and support for Cuban citizens. Analysts warn that despite these allowances, Cuba still faces a severe deficit, estimated at 100,000 barrels daily, maintaining pressure on its population and further motivating migration attempts through the Florida Straits.

The Cuban interior ministry reported that its patrol successfully neutralized the immediate threat without escalating the incident further. Wounded individuals received medical attention, and authorities continue to investigate connections between the exiles and potential accomplices on the island. The ministry emphasized that Cuba remains vigilant against external threats, while US verification efforts continue to examine the legitimacy and details of the operation.

In conclusion, the latest Cuba attack underscores the fragile nature of US-Cuba relations and the enduring risks posed by exile operations. With historical grievances, energy crises, and ongoing sanctions framing the context, maritime confrontations in the Florida Straits carry both political and humanitarian implications. Regional leaders advocate for dialogue, while both Havana and Washington navigate a delicate balance of security, accountability, and international scrutiny. As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities shaping Caribbean geopolitics and the precarious circumstances faced by civilians on both sides.

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