Cuba says boat carrying 10 armed Cubans opened fired in attempt to infiltrate island

Cuban authorities reported that a boat carrying 10 armed individuals, identified as Cubans residing in the United States, attempted to infiltrate the island and engage in terrorist activities. The passengers were allegedly equipped with assault-style rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices, body armor, and camouflage uniforms, with most having prior violent criminal records. The confrontation occurred near Cayo Falcones, where the individuals on the boat reportedly initiated gunfire, resulting in four of them being killed and six injured, along with one Cuban officer sustaining injuries. Two individuals, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, are specifically named as wanted by Cuban authorities for their alleged involvement in planning terrorist acts. Another individual, Duniel Hernández Santos, was arrested and confessed to being sent from the U.S. to facilitate the infiltration. The incident has prompted U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida representatives, to seek independent verification of the events and determine if any U.S. citizens or legal residents were involved. This maritime incident occurs amidst Cuba's ongoing economic struggles, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and a fuel shortage affecting the country.