Feb 25 • 22:35 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Four passengers of a US boat killed after intrusion in Cuban waters

A clash between a US boat and the Cuban border patrol resulted in four deaths and six injuries, escalating tensions amid increased US sanctions against Cuba.

A significant incident occurred off the northern coast of Cuba, where a US-registered fast boat, identified by its Florida license number FL7726S, reportedly entered Cuban territorial waters, prompting a confrontation with the Cuban border guard. According to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the encounter led to a firefight on the morning of the 25th, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to six others. The Cuban government has labeled the vessel as an "illegal intruder" and has launched an investigation into the incident, while the injured have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.

This event is particularly contentious given the backdrop of the Trump administration's stringent approach to Cuba, aimed at regime change. The incident has sparked immediate backlash from Cuban-American lawmakers in Florida, with Representative Carlos Gimenez calling it a "massacre" and demanding a thorough investigation. Other officials, including Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, emphasized the need for accountability from the Castro regime, which is perceived as untrustworthy. This outrage reflects deep-seated tensions within US-Cuba relations, especially concerning the historical context of US intervention in the region.

The ramifications of this incident are likely to inflame an already volatile situation, as US lawmakers are calling for stringent responses, including investigations into the actions of the Cuban government. The Cuban authorities reaffirmed their resolve to protect their territorial integrity and sovereignty, hinting at a potential escalation in military preparedness. As details concerning the victims and the specific intentions of the boat's passengers remain undisclosed, this incident may complicate ongoing discussions regarding US-Cuba policy and the approach toward the island nation under the current political climate.

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