Armed attack against a patrol vessel of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior

Armed attack against a patrol vessel of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior

Note from the Ministry of the Interior

On the morning of February 25, 2026, a violating speedboat was detected within Cuban territorial waters. The vessel, registered in Florida, United States, with registration number FL7726SH, approached up to 1 nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.

When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel.

As a consequence of the confrontation, as of the time of this report, four aggressors on the foreign vessel were killed and six were injured. The injured individuals were evacuated and received medical assistance.

In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region.

Investigations by the competent authorities continue in order to fully clarify the events.

Update on the armed infiltration attempt

As part of the ongoing investigation into the armed attack against a patrol vessel of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, in the northeastern area of the El Pino channel, at Cayo Falcones, municipality of Corralillo, Villa Clara province, the following update is provided:

Authorities have confirmed that the intercepted speedboat, registered in the State of Florida under number FL7726SH, was carrying 10 armed individuals who, according to preliminary statements by those detained, intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes.

The following items were seized: assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices (Molotov cocktails), body armor, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms.

Based on preliminary questioning, the following detained individuals have been identified:
1. Amijail Sánchez González
2. Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez
3. Conrado Galindo Sariol
4. José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló
5. Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara
6. Roberto Azcorra Consuegra

Michel Ortega Casanova has been identified among the deceased. Efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining three individuals.

All participants are Cuban nationals residing in the United States. Most have prior records involving criminal and violent activity, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who appear on Cuba's National List of individuals and entities designated pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, international law, and Cuban domestic legislation. They are currently under criminal investigation and are wanted by Cuban authorities for their alleged involvement in the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support, or execution of terrorist acts in Cuba or abroad.

In addition, Cuban national Duniel Hernández Santos was arrested within national territory. He had allegedly been sent from the United States to facilitate the landing and reception of the armed group and has confessed to his role.

The investigation remains ongoing until all facts have been fully established.

Cuban Ministry of the Interior

(Non-official translation)

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• EEUU
• Terrorism

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