Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has responded to what he describes as 'terrorist and mercenary aggression' in the wake of an incident in which four individuals were killed aboard a Florida-registered boat in Cuban waters. This declaration, made on social media, comes just a day after the Cuban Interior Ministry confirmed the fatalities, emphasizing the government's stance on sovereignty and national stability. Díaz-Canel assured that Cuba would take decisive action to defend itself against any actions perceived as threats to its security and sovereignty.

The incident occurred in territorial waters, where Cuban military officials reported the engagement that led to the deaths. Díaz-Canel reiterated that Cuba does not initiate attacks or display aggression, positioning the country as a defender rather than an aggressor. This aligns with Cuba's broader narrative focusing on its sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions, particularly in the context of its relations with the United States.

The deaths of these individuals and the subsequent remarks from the Cuban government highlight the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations, as well as the tensions surrounding issues of territorial integrity and national security. The Cuban leadership's strong rhetoric aims to reassure domestic stakeholders of their commitment to sovereignty while signaling to external audiences that any perceived violation will be met with a robust response.