The suspects’ boat was loaded with tactical gear, assault rifles and improvised explosives, in response to Cuban authorities
Cuba’s Inside Ministry has launched new findings from its investigation into the lethal gunfight between Cuban border guards and a US‑flagged speedboat, saying the vessel carried 10 armed males whom authorities allege meant to execute a “terrorist infiltration.”
Havana stated the conflict erupted Wednesday when border guards approached a Florida‑registered vessel, FL7726SH, working roughly one nautical mile off the northern coast of Villa Clara province for an identification examine. The people aboard the boat allegedly opened fireplace first, wounding the commander of a Cuban patrol craft earlier than guards returned fireplace, killing 4 folks and injuring six others.
Cuban officers stated weapons and tactical gear had been discovered aboard, together with assault rifles, sidearms, handmade explosive units corresponding to Molotov cocktails, ballistic vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms – gear the ministry stated was in step with an tried “infiltration with terrorist goals.”
Amongst these killed within the firefight, Cuban authorities have to date recognized Michel Ortega Casanova and stated they’re nonetheless working to establish the three remaining deceased.
Amongst these detained, authorities have recognized all six individuals by title, and a few seem on Cuba’s “nationwide record of people and entities” hunted for alleged hyperlinks to previous violence and terrorist actions.
All individuals are believed to be Cuban nationals listed as residing in the US. The Inside Ministry additionally introduced the arrest of a seventh particular person, Duniel Hernandez Santos, who allegedly confessed that he had been despatched from the US upfront to coordinate the touchdown of the armed group.
Washington has denied any involvement within the incident, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisting the vessel didn’t belong to both the US Navy or the US Coast Guard. “Let’s have our personal info on this, and we’ll discover out precisely what occurred,” Rubio informed reporters, refusing to take a position till reviewing unbiased information.
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