The Ministry of the Interior of Cuba stated this Wednesday that the ten occupants of the speedboat from the United States intercepted in Cuban territorial waters ““they had intentions of carrying out an infiltration for terrorist purposes.”
According to the official version, as reported by EFE, the boat, with Florida registration (FL7726SH), illegally entered Cuban waters and approached Falcones Key, in the municipality of Corralillo (Villa Clara). A unit of the Border Guard Troops tried to identify her, but – always according to the statement –
In the exchange Four of the crew died and six others were injured. A Cuban officer also needed medical attention.
Interior indicated that all the injured are Cubans residing in the United States. Among them he mentioned Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómezpreviously included by the Cuban Government on its list of people linked to terrorism investigations. He also identified as injured Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.
Among the deceased was identified Michel Ortega Casanovaalso resident in the United States, while investigations continue to confirm the identity of the other three dead.
The authorities also reported the seizure of “assault rifles, short weapons, homemade explosive devices (Molotov cocktails), bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms.”
The Ministry also reported the arrest in Cuban territory of Duniel Hernandez Santoswhom he accuses of having been sent from the United States to facilitate the reception of the alleged armed infiltration.
The incident occurs in a context of and Havana, following the recent economic pressure measures adopted by the United States. In recent years, similar episodes have been recorded, mostly linked to irregular departures from the island.
