Cuba Seizes Weapons, Alleges Florida-Based Terrorist Attack

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Cuban authorities have displayed rifles, knives, and thousands of bullets they say were seized in a thwarted terrorist attack. They allege a group of 10 men launched from Marathon, Florida aboard two boats, armed with more than a dozen rifles, handguns, nearly 13,000 bullets, and explosives, with the intent to assault the island. The men reportedly abandoned one boat and piled into a 24-foot Pro-Line vessel before being spotted by Cuban coast guard within the country's territorial waters.

Why it matters

The alleged attack highlights ongoing tensions between Cuba and counterrevolutionary groups based in Florida, with Cuba accusing the U.S. of harboring and supporting such groups. The incident could further strain diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The details

According to Cuban authorities, the group they have identified as Autodefensa del Pueblo was training in the U.S. in preparation for a terrorist attack on Cuba. The men reportedly launched from Marathon, Florida aboard two boats, but abandoned one vessel after it broke down during the voyage. Cuban coast guard spotted the remaining 24-foot Pro-Line boat around 7:10 a.m. Wednesday less than 4 nautical miles within Cuban territorial waters.

• The confrontation occurred on Wednesday, March 1, 2026.
• Cuban authorities displayed the seized weapons on Friday, March 1, 2026.