Rubio: DHS, Coast Guard involved in looking into incident

Rubio: DHS, Coast Guard involved in looking into incident

U.S. Officials Confirm DHS, Coast Guard Investigating Cuban Waters Incident

Cuba’s Interior Ministry reported that its military engaged a Florida-registered speedboat that opened fire on soldiers in Cuban territorial waters near the north coast, resulting in four fatalities and one injured officer. The Cuban government stated the action was taken to “safeguard its sovereignty,” though details about the boat’s purpose or whether U.S. citizens were aboard remain unclear.

In response, U.S. political leaders have initiated inquiries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Vice President JD Vance on the incident, with Vance stating the White House is “monitoring the situation” but declining to provide further comment. Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced an investigation into the shootings, labeling them “potential murder” and vowing to “hold these communists accountable.” Meanwhile, Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez condemned the killings, accusing Cuba’s government of murder.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Coast Guard have been implicated in the investigation, though officials from both agencies referred inquiries to the Department of State, which has not yet commented. Past interactions between Cuban authorities and U.S.-flagged vessels in the region have often involved smuggling or migration-related activities, but this incident marks a rare escalation involving lethal force.

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba following policy shifts under the Trump administration, which have curtailed prior collaborative efforts on transnational crimes like drug trafficking. Investors and analysts may closely watch how the investigation unfolds, as unresolved disputes in the region could impact trade dynamics, sanctions policies, and regional stability. For now, the lack of verified details about the boat’s cargo, crew, or intent leaves key questions unanswered, complicating assessments of broader geopolitical or economic implications.

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