Cuba’s Deputy Overseas Minister stated on Thursday (February 26, 2026) that the island’s authorities is speaking with U.S. officers following the deadly capturing of a U.S. boat in Cuban waters.
Carlos Fernandez de Cossio stated the Cuban authorities is prepared to change info with U.S. officers, including that Cuba plans to ask them for info on the suspects concerned and what means they used to arrange the journey.
The Deputy Overseas Minister added that the U.S. authorities has proven willingness “to cooperate in clarifying the info.”
Cuba’s Ministry of the Inside stated that on Wednesday (February 25) morning, a Florida-registered speedboat carrying 10 armed Cubans from the U.S. opened hearth on troopers off the island’s north coast, and that troops responded, killing 4 suspects and injuring six others. One Cuban official additionally was injured, the federal government stated.
A U.S. official stated on Thursday (February 26) that a minimum of one American citizen was killed and one other wounded within the incident.
The official, who spoke on situation of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the continued investigation into Wednesday’s (February 25) firefight, stated one other member of the 10-person crew was within the U.S. on a visa and several other others could have been inexperienced card holders.
Boat reported stolen
The official stated the proprietor of the boat has alleged that it was stolen by considered one of his workers.
The 1981 Professional Line boat was reported stolen from the Florida Keys, in line with a report from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Workplace.
It acknowledged that the proprietor informed authorities he lives in Miami-Dade County however retains his boat at a Large Pine Key home, whose proprietor permits him to maintain it in change for building work.
The report states that the person reported the boat stolen after receiving calls from reporters and stated he had not seen his 24-foot boat docked on the property in additional than every week.
Cuba releases listing of names
Cuba’s authorities has launched an inventory with the names of the alleged suspects and accused them of planning to invade the island and unleash terrorism.
Mr. Cossío stated authorities discovered assault and sniper rifles, pistols, evening imaginative and prescient tools, bayonets, camouflage clothes, fight rations, communication tools “and numerous insignia from counterrevolutionary terrorist organizations.”
He added: “This info continues to be preliminary. Extra particulars shall be offered within the coming days.”
On Wednesday (February 25) night, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety and the U.S. Coast Guard are investigating the incident.
“Nearly all of the info being publicly reported are these by the data offered by the Cubans. We’ll confirm that independently as we collect extra info, and we’ll be ready to reply accordingly,” Mr. Rubio stated.
Mr. Cossio famous that Cuban authorities have repeatedly offered the U.S. with info on individuals he asserted “have been concerned in selling, financing, and organising violent and terrorist acts in opposition to Cuba.”
He famous that two of the boat passengers detained have been on that listing “and loved impunity inside U.S. territory.” “The Cuban authorities continues to be awaiting responses to requests for details about them and the opposite people and organizations included within the listing issued,” Mr. Cossio stated.
He didn’t take questions from journalists on the press briefing.
Havana abuzz with opinions on capturing
In the meantime, throughout Havana and past, the streets have been abuzz with opinions over what had occurred.
“What the hell,” stated 88-year-old avenue musician Efrain Scotland of the alleged try of 10 individuals to invade the island. “No, my good friend, no, that is not going to convey down a nation.”
Some, like 48-year-old building employee Roberto Henry Figueredo, praised the best way Cuba defended itself.
“That hail of bullets that we unleashed was good,” he stated, including that if it have been to occur once more, Cubans would face up to the assault. “In the event that they hearth at us, we will eat these bullets.”
Folks in Cuba and past awaited extra details about the motive behind the alleged tried boat journey to the Caribbean island.
Cuban political scientist Rafael M Hernandez informed reporters in an internet briefing on Thursday (February 26) that many questions stay unanswered: “What have been they doing? What have been they in search of? Had been they beginning a liberation motion in Cuba? Had been they making an attempt to sabotage the Cuban financial system?”
He described the alleged operation as “foolish and counterproductive.”
Nonetheless, some anxious that the capturing may worsen an already frayed relationship between Cuba and the USA, which has tightened sanctions.
Final month, U.S. President Donald Trump additionally threatened to impose a tariff on any nation that sells or gives oil to Cuba, which depended closely on petroleum from Venezuela. However these shipments have been halted after the US attacked the South American nation and arrested its then-leader.
Cuba has since imposed extreme fuel-saving measures.
“I count on issues to get extra tense,” stated 54-year-old Havana resident Rosa Larrondo, who described Wednesday’s capturing as “a violation of the sovereignty of the Cuban individuals.”
Revealed – February 27, 2026 07:24 am IST