Cuba has formally reiterated its unequivocal opposition to all forms of terrorism through an official statement delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío. The declaration comes in response to a recent attempted infiltration of Cuban territorial waters by ten individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel suspected of terrorist intentions.
Minister Fernández de Cossío emphasized Cuba’s exemplary record in combating terrorism, noting the nation’s adherence to all 19 international counterterrorism conventions. “Our country maintains an exemplary record in the fight against terrorism and has fulfilled and will continue to honor its commitments in this area,” he stated during a press briefing.
The incident, which occurred Wednesday, involved the interception of a vessel carrying substantial military equipment including assault rifles, sniper weapons, Molotov cocktails, night vision devices, bulletproof vests, and paraphernalia from counter-revolutionary organizations. Four individuals died during the confrontation with Cuban naval forces.
Cuban authorities have identified the involved parties as Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa. Notably, Sánchez González and Cruz Gómez appear on Cuba’s official list of wanted individuals previously shared with United States authorities.
The Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed ongoing communication with U.S. counterparts through established diplomatic channels, including the State Department and Coast Guard. Both governments have expressed willingness to collaborate in the investigation, with Cuba formally requesting information about the vessel and individuals involved.
Fernández de Cossío contextualized this event within Cuba’s six-decade history of experiencing terrorist attacks largely organized from U.S. territory. He highlighted concerns about increased violent plots against Cuba and the perceived impunity of their perpetrators. The Cuban government maintains that protecting territorial waters constitutes both a sovereign right and national defense obligation under international law.