By Trendsetter Tribune 
HAVANA, Cuba — A deadly maritime confrontation erupted in Cuban territorial waters on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, leaving four people dead and several others wounded. The Cuban Interior Ministry (MININT) reported that its border guard troops engaged in an exchange of gunfire with a Florida-registered speedboat after the vessel allegedly ignored orders to stop and opened fire on a patrol unit.
The incident occurred near Cayo Falcones, off the coast of Villa Clara province, roughly one nautical mile from the shore.
The Confrontation: “Violating Speedboat”
According to the official statement from Havana, the vessel—identified by registration number FL7726SH—was detected entering Cuban waters early Wednesday morning.
- The Approach: A Cuban Border Guard vessel carrying five service members approached the speedboat to identify its occupants.
- The Firefight: MININT alleges that the crew of the speedboat opened fire first, wounding the commander of the Cuban patrol boat.
- The Casualties: Cuban forces returned fire, resulting in the deaths of four individuals on the speedboat. Six others on the vessel were injured and have been evacuated to receive medical attention.+1
- Nationalities: Cuban authorities have not yet released the names or nationalities of those killed or injured, and it remains unclear if any U.S. citizens were among the casualties.
A Flashpoint in the Florida Straits
The deadly exchange comes during a period of extreme geopolitical volatility in the region.
| Contextual Factor | Impact on US-Cuba Relations |
| Energy Blockade | Tensions have spiked following a virtual U.S. oil blockade on Cuba, which intensified after the January 2026 ouster of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. |
| “Forward Operations” | The incident follows months of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) carrying out “lethal kinetic strikes” against alleged narco-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean. |
| Diplomatic Defiance | The Cuban Embassy in Washington issued a statement reaffirming that “national defense is a fundamental pillar” and that Havana will not hesitate to protect its sovereignty. |
Political Reaction and Investigation
In the United States, the response has been swift from Florida leaders. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) characterized the incident as an “attack and an assassination,” demanding an immediate investigation to determine if the victims were U.S. residents or citizens.
The White House and the U.S. State Department have not yet issued a formal comment, though they are reportedly monitoring the situation. Cuban authorities stated that “investigations continue by the competent authorities for the full clarification of the facts.”
“This confrontation is a tragic reminder of how quickly tensions can escalate in these waters when diplomacy is replaced by blockade and military posturing.” — Regional Analyst, Feb 25, 2026
What’s Next?
As both nations conduct independent reviews of the engagement, the focus will turn to the Coast Guard and DHS to verify the registration and mission of the Florida vessel. Any confirmation of U.S. citizenship among the deceased could trigger a significant diplomatic or military response from the Trump administration.