Cuban authorities have neutralized an armed fast boat off the coast of Villa Clara, detaining ten individuals allegedly attempting a terrorist infiltration, all reportedly Cuban residents in the United States. The operation targeted a vessel near Cayo Falcones in the Corralillo municipality, part of a broader investigation into an armed aggression against a Cuban Border Guard Troops unit under the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
Officials reported that the infracting speedboat, registered in Florida (FL7726SH), was detected approximately one nautical mile from Cuban territorial waters and was successfully intercepted. Preliminary statements from the detained individuals indicate their intention to carry out a terrorist operation on Cuban soil. Cuban authorities recovered a significant arsenal from the boat, including assault rifles, handguns, molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms, highlighting the organized and dangerous nature of the incursion.
Six participants have been formally identified: Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra. One of the individuals, Michel Ortega Casanova, died during the incident. Cuban authorities continue efforts to identify the remaining three deceased participants.
Further investigation revealed that several detainees have a history of criminal and violent activity. Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez are included on Cuba’s National List of individuals designated under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, which targets persons involved in terrorism-related activities. The authorities also detained Duniel Hernandez Santos, accused of being sent from the United States to facilitate the group’s reception in Cuba. Preliminary questioning indicates he confessed to his role in the operation.
Cuban officials emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to clarify the full scope of the attempted incursion, including any potential international links. The government reaffirmed its commitment to defending Cuban territorial waters, calling national defense a central pillar in safeguarding the sovereignty of the Cuban Revolution and maintaining stability in the Caribbean region.
