A team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reached Cuba to initiate an independent investigation into a lethal exchange of gunfire involving local border patrol and a speedboat registered in Florida. The presence of the FBI agents was confirmed by the United States embassy in Havana on Wednesday, as mounting calls emerged from officials for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of the incident.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on the night of February 25, when ten individuals from Cuba reportedly attempted to enter the country via speedboat, carrying a significant arsenal that included nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols. The ensuing confrontation resulted in the deaths of five individuals, while the remaining participants were captured and provided with medical care, as per the statements from the Cuban government.

US Response and Verification

The US embassy stated that the FBI’s mission in Cuba aims to conduct a thorough examination of the events that transpired. An embassy representative indicated that the United States would evaluate the version of events provided by Havana. The representative emphasized that decisions would not be made based solely on Cuban authorities’ accounts. “We will independently verify the facts and make decisions based solely on US interests, US law, and the protection of US citizens,” the official stated.

Escalating Tensions Between the US and Cuba

Relations between the two nations have seen a significant decline since January, following the imposition of a tight oil blockade by US President Donald Trump on Cuba, a move that was partly catalyzed by the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, viewed as a key ally to the Cuban regime, on January 3. In response to the incident, the Cuban government asserted that the assailants were Cuban exiles originating from the US, allegedly aiming to create disorder and target military installations.

Details of the Confrontation

Cuban border guards, five of whom were aboard a nine-meter patrol vessel, first detected the intruding speedboat approximately one nautical mile from a remote channel along the northern coast of the island, around 160 kilometers from Marathon, Florida. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the patrol from a distance of 185 meters. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain of the patrol boat managed to navigate towards the speedboat, culminating in a close-range firefight at approximately 20 meters.

Official US Denial

Former Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed that the incursion involving the speedboat did not constitute a US operation and that no personnel from the US government were involved in the events that unfolded. This statement seeks to clarify the US administration’s position in light of the ongoing investigation and the heightened scrutiny of US-Cuba relations.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share