Cuban Ministry of the Interior: An American speedboat intruded into Cuban territorial waters and opened fire; Cuban forces returned fire and killed four people.
According to CCTV News, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported on February 25 local time that a fast boat registered in Florida, USA, was found by border guards that day illegally entering the territorial waters near Villa Clara Province, Cuba. Gunfire was exchanged between the two sides, resulting in four foreign attackers being killed and six injured. The Cuban Ministry of the Interior’s announcement showed that on the morning of that day, the fast boat was discovered within Cuban territorial waters. When a patrol boat carrying five officers from the border forces approached to verify their identities, the crew of the fast boat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, causing injuries to Cuban personnel. The report did not mention the identities of the foreign attackers. The Ministry of the Interior said that relevant authorities are investigating the incident. The announcement stated that in the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirmed its determination to defend its territorial waters, based on the principle that national security is the fundamental pillar for Cuba to uphold sovereignty and ensure regional stability. The investigation by relevant authorities is ongoing in order to thoroughly determine the truth of the incident. Currently, tensions between Cuba and the United States are escalating. On January 29, US President Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose ad valorem tariffs on goods exported to the US from countries that supply oil to Cuba. On February 6, Cuba announced a series of measures to deal with the new round of US oil blockade. Later that day, according to CCTV News, Florida Attorney General Utermohlen stated that he has instructed all state prosecution offices to work with federal, state, and law enforcement partners to open an investigation into the gunfire incident involving vessels in Cuban territorial waters. Canada provides aid to Cuba, "independent decision" not discussed with the US According to CCTV News, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 25th that in view of the current situation in Cuba, the Canadian government will allocate 8 million Canadian dollars (about 5.84 million US dollars) to provide emergency food and nutritional assistance to Cuba. Canadian Foreign Minister Anand said in a previous interview with local media that this decision is part of Canada’s “independent foreign policy,” and she has not discussed this aid intention with the United States. After launching a large-scale military strike against Venezuela in early January, the US hinted that Cuba might become the next target. On January 29, US President Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose ad valorem tariffs on goods exported to the US from countries that supply oil to Cuba. On February 6, Cuba announced a series of measures to deal with the new round of US oil blockade. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market has risks, and investment needs to be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account individual users’ special investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular circumstances. Investment is at your own risk.