Speedboat attackers from Florida planned to destabilize Cuba officials say

Ten men on a speedboat sailing from the United States were accused by Cuban authorities of attempting to carry out a campaign of violence to destabilize the island’s government. Four of the 10 men were killed in a shootout with Cuban border agents this week, while six remaining crew members received medical treatment for their injuries. At least one US citizen was among the dead, according to White House officials.

Cuban President Manuel Diaz-Canel stated that his country will defend itself against any aggression seeking to affect its sovereignty and national stability. The incident occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, which has made repeated threats against the island’s communist government.

One of the four men killed has been identified by the Cuban government: Michel Ortega Casanova. An associate of Casanova stated that he sought to overthrow the government in Havana, citing concerns over rights abuses on the island. Family members of Casanova said they were not aware of his plans but believed he was motivated by the “great suffering” of people under the Cuban government.

US officials have announced an investigation into the incident and denied any government involvement. The US embassy in Havana is seeking more details, including whether US citizens are among those detained. The US has worked with Cuban exiles against the country’s government in the past, but activist groups in South Florida have also launched their own operations.

Cuban authorities have identified some of this week’s speedboat passengers as Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, and Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara. The Cuban government has stated that some of the passengers were wanted by law enforcement authorities due to their involvement in acts of terrorism or other crimes.

Members of the Cuban American community have expressed skepticism about the Cuban government’s claims, with one stating, “Nobody with a 25-foot speedboat tries to overthrow a government.”

Source: Al Jazeera