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MIAMI (AFP)—Tensions between Cuba and the United States have escalated following a lethal maritime confrontation, with Havana identifying one of the deceased as Michel Ortega Casanova—a U.S.-based activist long determined to “liberate” the island. Cuban authorities reported that four armed individuals aboard a Florida-registered vessel were killed by its coast guard during what it described as a thwarted “terrorist and mercenary” attack.

Ortega Casanova, a 54-year-old truck driver residing in the U.S., was among those killed. According to Wilfredo Beyra, head of the Tampa-based Cuban Republican Party, Ortega had repeatedly expressed his ambition to incite popular rebellion against Cuba’s government. “His goal was to go and fight against a criminal and murderous narco-tyrannical government,” Beyra stated in an interview with AFP.

Beyra revealed that he had cautioned Ortega against premature action, emphasizing the need for strategic timing. Nevertheless, Ortega—affiliated with one of several Florida groups militantly advocating for regime change in Cuba—had been prepared to act “at any moment.”

Another individual, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, was wounded in the incident and was also known to Beyra. The two had maintained contact until recently, exchanging messages as recently as two weeks ago.

The incident underscores ongoing friction between Havana and Washington, with Cuba vowing to defend its sovereignty against perceived external threats. All individuals involved were identified as Cuban expatriates living in the United States.

CHAPPAQUA, New York – In a strategic counteroffensive during her congressional deposition, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton turned the tables on Republican investigators Thursday by demanding they summon former President Donald Trump to testify under oath regarding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Appearing before the House Oversight Committee’s probe into Epstein’s network, Clinton categorically denied any personal knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities or any visits to his properties. She characterized the investigation as politically motivated, explicitly accusing committee members of attempting to ‘protect one public official’ – an apparent reference to Trump.

Committee Chairman James Comer maintained the investigation aims to ‘understand many things about Epstein,’ the financier who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The probe will continue Friday with testimony from former President Bill Clinton.

In a notable escalation, Clinton challenged the committee’s sincerity, stating that if lawmakers were genuinely interested in uncovering truth about Epstein’s trafficking operations, they would compel Trump to testify regarding his ‘tens of thousands of appearances’ in Epstein-related documents.

This position found support from the committee’s top Democrat, Robert Garcia, who echoed calls for Trump to provide testimony that would ‘answer questions being asked across this country from survivors.’

The Clintons had initially resisted subpoenas but complied after Republicans threatened contempt of Congress proceedings. The depositions occur against the backdrop of recently released government documents detailing Epstein’s associations with powerful figures, including both Trump and Bill Clinton.

While both former presidents appear in the Epstein files, mere mention in the documents does not constitute evidence of criminal activity. Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane for humanitarian work in the early 2000s but denies visiting his private island.

The proceedings have generated significant attention in this affluent New York community, with security barriers erected around the arts center hosting the deposition. Local reactions ranged from support for congressional investigative authority to criticism of the process, which Bill Clinton previously denounced as resembling a ‘kangaroo court’ due to its closed-door format.

The investigation’s context includes the ongoing imprisonment of Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who recently invoked her Fifth Amendment rights before the committee. Her attorney indicated she would speak publicly if granted clemency by Trump.

The Epstein case continues to reverberate globally, resulting in high-profile arrests and damaged reputations among those associated with the financier, though Maxwell remains the only person convicted of crimes directly connected to Epstein’s operation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant diplomatic confrontation has emerged between United States Congressman Carlos Giménez and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, playing out publicly on social media platform X. The dispute centers on Jamaica’s expression of solidarity with Cuba amidst its ongoing economic and energy crisis.

Congressman Giménez, representing Florida and born in Cuba, issued a severe condemnation of PM Holness’s stance. In his post, Giménez accused Holness’s ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) of providing cover for what he termed a ‘moribund dictatorship’ in Cuba. He further alleged historical interference by the Castro regime in Jamaican politics, specifically claiming it worked to undermine the JLP and exacerbate partisan tensions. The congressman concluded his statement with a stark warning: ‘Jamaica will face the consequences!’

This rebuke was a direct response to Prime Minister Holness’s address earlier that day at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government. In a shared video clip, Holness urged the Caribbean Community to address the situation in Cuba with clarity and directness. He highlighted the severe economic hardships, energy shortages, and growing humanitarian challenges facing the Cuban people.

Holness articulated a regional security perspective, warning that a prolonged crisis in Cuba would inevitably affect the wider Caribbean. He specifically cited potential impacts on migration patterns, regional security, and economic stability, concluding that Jamaica would consequently stand in solidarity with Cuba.

The context for this exchange includes the recent announcement by the United States to ease its ban on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba. This ban was initially implemented following the country’s invasion of Venezuela and the capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro in January. The decision to roll back restrictions came after weeks of significant instability on the communist-run island, which had descended into a severe economic crisis. This deterioration prompted numerous Caribbean leaders to voice concerns about potential spillover effects throughout the region.

In a contrasting follow-up post, Congressman Giménez praised Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, holding her up as a model for regional leadership. He commended her for governing with ‘moral clarity,’ strengthening her nation’s alliance with the U.S., and championing democracy, suggesting other nations could benefit from following her example.