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A speedboat bearing a Florida license plate was involved in a deadly confrontation with Cuban forces on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, according to Cuba’s interior ministry.
Six additional passengers on the boat sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
The incident unfolded when Cuban border guards attempted to identify the vessel after it ventured into Cuban territorial waters near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara Province, the ministry reported.
During the encounter, an occupant of the boat allegedly opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. In response, the border guards returned fire.
The identities and nationalities of those on board the speedboat remain undisclosed.
Falcones Cay is just over 160km from Florida.
Cuban authorities are investigating the incident, but US representatives are already calling for action.
Florida Republican Congressman Carlos A Gimenez said the incident raised concerns about the use of lethal force against people aboard a US-registered vessel and called for an investigation..
“United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred,” he said in a statement posted to X.
“The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity.”
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott also called for a full investigation into what he dubbed a “deeply concerning” situation.
“The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable,” he said.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed he had ordered an investigation into the incident.
“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” he said.
Maduro’s regime was a major supplier of oil to Cuba. The US has since said it would allow oil to be shipped to Cuba for “humanitarian” purposes after pressure from other Caribbean nations.
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