Cuba's Coast Guard Incident: Four Killed in Shootout with US-Registered Boat
Incident Overview
Cuba has confirmed that Michel Ortega Casanova is among four individuals who lost their lives when the coast guard fired upon a speedboat registered in Florida near its coastline. This event, which took place on Wednesday, has heightened the already tense relations between Havana and Washington. According to Cuban authorities, the ten individuals aboard the US vessel were armed Cubans residing in the United States, allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island to instigate acts of terrorism. The Cuban government claims that the boat entered its territorial waters and initiated gunfire, injuring a Cuban officer in the process. The resulting exchange led to four fatalities and six injuries.
Who Was Michel Ortega Casanova?
Michel Ortega Casanova, a 54-year-old truck driver who had spent over two decades in the United States and held American citizenship, was identified as one of the deceased. Wilfredo Beyra, the leader of the Cuban Republican Party in Tampa, noted that Ortega Casanova had frequently expressed his desire to combat what he termed a 'criminal and murderous narco-tyrannical government' in Cuba. Beyra, who had known him for several years, mentioned that Ortega Casanova was affiliated with a Florida group that openly stated its intention to receive military training to fight for Cuba's liberation.
His brother, Misael Ortega Casanova, shared with the Associated Press that the family is grieving his loss. He characterized his brother's pursuit of freedom for Cuba as 'obsessive and diabolical,' adding that 'no one was aware' of his intentions. Ortega Casanova is survived by his wife, mother, two sisters (one residing in Cuba), and a pregnant daughter.
Key Facts About the Attack on the US Boat
- The Cuban coast guard killed four individuals and injured six others during a gunfight near its shores.
- Havana claims the Florida-registered boat entered its waters and fired first, resulting in injuries to a Cuban officer.
- The Cuban government has named several passengers, including Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, alleging their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
- Authorities stated that most of the ten passengers had a documented history of criminal and violent behavior.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the US is currently gathering information to ascertain whether the victims were American citizens or permanent residents.
Cuba has stated that it gathered information about the passengers from individuals detained following the shootout, and investigations are still underway. The Associated Press has reported that it could not independently verify the claims made by the Cuban government.