Havana, February 26, 2026 — Cuban authorities announced the interception of a vessel registered in Florida carrying ten individuals allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island for terrorist purposes. The incident, reported yesterday, has prompted immediate communication between Havana and Washington, including exchanges with the U.S. State Department and Coast Guard.

Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba is conducting a rigorous investigation and has requested detailed information from U.S. authorities regarding the suspects, their methods, and logistical support. He confirmed that Washington has expressed willingness to cooperate.

The Cuban government identified the ten individuals involved: Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Hector Duani Cruz Correa.

Four of them — Peña, Ortega Casanova, Padrón Guevara, and Duani Cruz Correa — were reported dead. Authorities clarified that Rolando Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, initially named in reports, was not part of the group, though he is known for past violent activities against Cuba.

Weapons and equipment seized from the vessel included assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, Molotov cocktails, night vision gear, bulletproof vests, bayonets, camouflage clothing, ammunition, combat rations, communications devices, and insignia linked to counterrevolutionary terrorist organisations. Officials emphasised that the findings remain preliminary.

Cuba underscored that this incident is part of a decades-long pattern of attacks originating from U.S. territory. Two of the suspects, Sánchez González and Cruz Gómez, were already listed on Cuba’s National List of individuals wanted for terrorism, shared with U.S. authorities in 2023 and 2025. Havana reiterated frustration over what it describes as impunity for anti-Cuban groups operating in the United States.

Reaffirming its stance, Cuba highlighted its adherence to all 19 international conventions on terrorism and its commitment to protecting national sovereignty. “Our actions are consistent with international law and our duty to safeguard the life, security, and well-being of Cubans,” Fernández de Cossío declared.