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2mo ago

Cuba Charges Six With Terrorism After Deadly Speedboat Shootout

U.S. officials seek independent verification after confirming an American fatality.

A vendor walks down a street, following an armed incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat and a Cuban patrol, in Santa Clara, Cuba, February 26, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Weapons that Cuban authorities say were recovered from a speedboat in Cuban waters following a confrontation that left four people dead are displayed during a media presentation in Havana, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
A vendor sits along a street, following an armed incident involving a Florida-registered speedboat and a Cuban patrol, in Santa Clara, Cuba, February 26, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
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Overview

  • Cuba’s Prosecutor’s Office said six Cuban nationals have been charged with crimes of terrorism and placed in provisional pretrial detention.
  • Havana says a Florida‑registered, U.S.-flagged speedboat entered Cuban waters on Feb. 25 and a close‑range firefight followed, leaving four aboard dead and six wounded and detained.
  • Cuban authorities displayed seized materiel they say was on the vessel, including 13 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, and alleged plans to attack military targets.
  • The White House confirmed at least one American was among the dead, and a U.S. official said at least one American was arrested, while U.S. authorities deny any government role and call for an independent review.
  • CBS and local Florida records indicate the boat was reported stolen, and Cuba has released names and watch‑list histories as unresolved questions persist over casualty counts and detainee conditions.