Washington, 26 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Four people were killed in a shoot-out between Cuban border troops and the crew of a speedboat registered in the United States, official Cuban reports said on Wednesday, prompting Florida officials to announce an investigation.

Six more people were injured and received medical treatment, the Cuban embassy in the US said in a post on X, citing the Ministry of the Interior.

Border troops discovered the boat on Wednesday morning in Cuban territorial waters, the embassy said. The speedboat had approached to within about 1 nautical mile (1.85 kilometres) of Cuba's northern coast in the province of Villa Clara.

When a unit of the border troops approached for identification, the crew of the speedboat opened fire. According to the reports, the commander of the Cuban patrol boat was injured.

"In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region," the Cuban statement said.

Later on Wednesday, the Cuban presidency said that the vessel was "transporting 10 armed people who, according to statements made by those detained, intended to infiltrate the country for terrorist purposes."

Florida Attorney General announces investigation

The incident has sparked a sharp response from US officials, with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announcing that he has directed state law enforcement to collaborate with federal partners to open an investigation.

"The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable," Uthmeier said.

His comments echoed a post from US Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Florida Republican, who accused the Cuban leadership of attacking a Florida boat and murdering its crew.

The US Embassy in Havana was working to determine whether the victims were US citizens or lawful permanent residents, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts and Nevis. He said the US was reviewing the incident and that the Coast Guard had deployed to the region.

Rubio declined to speculate on what exactly had occurred. "Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that."

Relations between the US and Cuba have been tense since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro.

Recently, Washington has increased pressure on Havana, including with an oil blockade, which has exacerbated the severe energy and economic crisis in the Caribbean state. However, on Wednesday the US said it would allow the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for commercial and humanitarian purposes, partially easing the blockade.

фото: Принтскрин „Икс“