On February 25, a deadly encounter occurred off the northern coast of Cuba, leading to the deaths of four individuals involved in a shooting with the crew of a US-registered motorboat. Cuban authorities reported that the illegal vessel, flagged from Florida, was intercepted by the Coast Guard just a mile from shore. The incident escalated after the boat's crew allegedly fired upon Cuban border guards, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel during the confrontation.

In response to the incident, Cuba officially confirmed the details, indicating the aggressive actions of the foreign crew. The Cuban government described the individuals involved as "foreign aggressors," emphasizing the potential terrorist implications of their actions. The Cuban authorities also reported that six other crew members sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. This violent clash represents a significant setback in US-Cuba relations, raising concerns about possible military escalations between the two nations.

Shortly after the confrontation, Cuban officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the country would respond decisively to such provocations. This statement hints at a potential intensification of tensions, especially given the history of fraught relations between the two nations. With the narratives of terrorism and defense of national sovereignty becoming central to the discourse, the situation indicates a precarious future for US-Cuba diplomatic relations, possibly setting the stage for an ongoing confrontation in the region.