Cuba has formally charged six suspects with terrorism, alleging they operated a speedboat from Florida waters, which allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers near the island’s northern coast. The Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that these suspects remain in pretrial detention and vowed to provide “due process” for all involved.
A government statement disclosed 10 heavily armed Cubans, U.S.-citizens of Cuban origin who had infiltrated the country for acts of terrorism. A firefight ensued as Cuban soldiers killed four suspects attempting to enter illegally. In response, the government has maintained that at least one American was among those taken by force and confirmed at least one more was also an American citizen.
According to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity, at least one individual aboard the boat held a K-1 visa—a document typically issued for fiancé visits—while others were legal permanent residents within the United States. While the exact number is not clear, this indicates that among the 10 heavily armed individuals were some who had secured residency in the U.S.
The Cuban government has since revealed items seized from the boat, including a dozen high-powered weapons and over 12,800 rounds of ammunition. Chief Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell highlighted terrorism charges’ potential sentence, stating they carry up to 30 years in prison or even the death penalty, though Cuba’s moratorium on capital punishment has been in place since 2003.
The brother of one of those killed, Michael Ortega Casanova, disclosed his sibling had embarked on a “diabolical and obsessive” quest to overthrow Cuba’s government. The Cuban community in the U.S., including Cuban Americans, have long protested against the island’s leadership for alleged human rights abuses.
In this context, Misael Ortega Casanova, brother of Michael, shared: “My brother became so obsessed that he didn’t consider the consequences or his own safety.” These revelations underscore Cuba’s ongoing struggle with internal security and its international relations.