Cuba says it has intercepted a vessel from Florida carrying ten armed individuals, sparking a fresh diplomatic exchange between Havana and Washington over counter-terrorism efforts. Speaking to reporters in Havana on Thursday, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that the group attempted to infiltrate the island for “terrorist purposes” on Wednesday. According to Cuban authorities, the encounter left four of the individuals dead. The incident has once again turned the spotlight on the long-standing tensions between the two nations regarding the activities of anti-government groups operating from US soil.
Arms and equipment seized
The Cuban government reported that the vessel, which was registered in the United States, was carrying a significant cache of military-grade equipment. Among the items allegedly seized were:Assault and sniper rifles, Pistols and molotov cocktails night vision equipment and bulletproof vests, camouflage clothing and “counter-revolutionary” insignia. Mr. De Cossío identified the deceased as Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, Hector Duani Cruz Correa, and Pavel Alling Peña. Six others remain in custody as investigations continue. In a rare move of transparency, Havana noted that one individual, Rolando Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, had been mistakenly identified as a member of the group in initial reports, though they maintained he remains known for “violent intentions” against the state.
A test for bilateral cooperation
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Mr. De Cossío indicated that communication channels between Havana and Washington remain open. He confirmed that Cuban authorities have been in contact with the US State Department and the Coast Guard.”The US government authorities have shown their willingness to cooperate in clarifying the facts,” the Deputy Minister said, adding that Cuba would be formally requesting further details on those involved through established legal mechanisms. However, the tone remained pointed. Havana claims that two of the men captured, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, were already on a national list of wanted terrorists shared with US officials in 2023 and 2025.
Long-standing grievances
For over six decades, Cuba has accused the United States of providing a safe haven for groups seeking to overthrow its government through violent means. Washington has historically denied active involvement in such plots, though it has frequently criticized Havana’s judicial processes and human rights record. Mr. De Cossío framed this latest incident as part of a “sense of impunity” enjoyed by anti-Cuban groups in Florida, asserting that Cuba has a “duty and responsibility” to protect its sovereignty and territorial waters.
The US State Department has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific identities of the individuals or the details of the vessel’s departure.
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