The White House confirmed that two Americans were involved in the shooting with Cuban forces along the country’s coast on Wednesday, USA Today reports. They have also confirmed the U.S.-registered speedboat used in the shooting was stolen.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the shooting “highly unusual,” especially given recent heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the island country.
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According to USA Today, the 24-foot boat was registered in Florida and was docked in Big Pine Key, just 30 miles east of Key West. The owner reported it missing at about 9:30 a.m. the day of the shooting. After he heard reports of the shooting, the owner contacted police, saying his boat was likely the boat used.
Cuban officials said a total of 10 men were on board the boat when they entered Cuban waters. Cuban coast guard officials noticed the boat approaching and went to question why it was there. As the Cuban troops got closer, the ten men on board the speedboat opened fire, injuring the coast guard commander. The military opened fire, killing four and wounding others.
The coast guard arrested the six survivors along with a Cuban man who is accused of helping the 10 men. During the investigation, Cuban authorities found assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices, bulletproof vests and other tactical military gear.
The Cuban Interior Ministry accused everyone involved of taking part in a terrorist plot. U.S. officials have not corroborated the accusations. Cuba has also said the majority of the men involved have a history of criminal or violent activity, USA Today reports.
Reactions to shooting
Misael Ortega Casanova, the brother of one of the American men killed, spoke to The Associated Press and said their brother had become “obsessive and diabolical” about freeing the island and that no one knew what he was planning.
“They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences nor their own lives,” he told the AP. “My mother is devastated.”
Ortega Casanova told the AP he didn’t believe in heroes “because that is ignorance,” but he hopes his brother’s sacrifice may make a difference.
“Maybe it will justify that some day Cuba will be free,” he said.
