Cuban security forces opened fire on an American boat – four dead

An unusual incident in the Caribbean: four people were killed and six others were injured this evening (Wednesday) in Cuba, after a motorboat that left Florida in the United States entered Cuban territorial waters. According to the Cuban Embassy in the United States, the crew of the American vessel fired at the Cuban forces – who returned fire.

The incident took place in the morning hours, Cuba time. According to Cuban reports, the Caribbean country’s security forces approached the American vessel to inspect it, and the American crew opened fire on them, leading to the fatal response. According to Cuba, the commander of the force was wounded. They also said that the injured were evacuated for medical treatment. At this time it is not clear who the people were on the American boat or what their actions were.

US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio responded to the incident and said: “This was not an action by the US, those who were injured are not soldiers or government officials. We are working to find out if these are American citizens, and in any case we will not rely on the information of the authorities in Cuba and will verify it ourselves.”

The event took place against the background of acute tensions between the United States and Cuba. Trump’s administration is working to find elements from within the regime in Cuba who can help promote a deal that will lead to the overthrow of the communist regime in Havana by the end of the year, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal from last month.

According to the American officials who spoke to the newspaper, the Trump administration believes that the Cuban economy is on the verge of collapse, and that the regime has never been so fragile – especially after losing its ally Maduro. “I strongly suggest they reach an agreement. Before it’s too late,” Trump wrote two weeks ago on social media, adding that “no more oil or money will be transferred” to Cuba.