Cubans living in US tried to infiltrate Cuba, officials say

Cuban soldiers killed 4, wounded 6 after boat opened fire in Cuban waters

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Cuba's government said the 10 passengers on a boat that opened fire on its soldiers were armed Cubans living in the U.S. who were trying to infiltrate the island and unleash terrorism. The announcement came after Cuba said its soldiers killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speed boat that had entered Cuban waters and opened fire on the soldiers first.

Why it matters

The incident threatens to increase tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, which have been strained in recent years, especially after the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the resulting energy crisis in Cuba.

The details

According to Cuba's government, the majority of the 10 people on the boat 'have a known history of criminal and violent activity.' Two of them, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, are wanted by Cuban authorities 'based on their involvement in the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission of actions carried out in the national territory or in other countries, in connection with acts of terrorism.' The government also arrested Duniel Hernández Santos, saying he was 'sent from the United States to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration.'

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Amijail Sánchez González

One of the 10 passengers on the boat, wanted by Cuban authorities for involvement in terrorism-related activities.

Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez

One of the 10 passengers on the boat, wanted by Cuban authorities for involvement in terrorism-related activities.

Duniel Hernández Santos

One of the 10 passengers on the boat, arrested by Cuban authorities for being 'sent from the United States to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration.'

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State, who said the U.S. is gathering its own information to determine if the victims were American citizens or permanent residents.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President, whose administration took an increasingly aggressive stance toward Cuba after the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

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What they’re saying

“We have various different elements of the U.S. government that are trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (wral.com)

“Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that. It's not something that happens every day. It's something, frankly, that hasn't happened with Cuba in a very long time.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (wral.com)

“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General (wral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Duniel Hernández Santos out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, particularly in the wake of the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the resulting energy crisis in Cuba. It also raises questions about the Cuban government's claims and the need for independent verification of the facts.