On February 25, 2026, a deadly confrontation occurred off the coast of Cuba between Cuban border troops and a Florida-registered speedboat carrying individuals allegedly involved in a planned infiltration. Cuban authorities intercepted the boat near Cayo Falcones, asserting that the occupants opened fire first. Four men were reported killed in this incident, including American citizen Michel Ortega Casanova. Six others sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. The Cuban government accused the individuals on the boat of attempting a terrorist act, positioning the incident within a broader narrative of defending national sovereignty against external threats. The American involvement, with ties to various paramilitary groups, has raised tensions in US-Cuba relations amid ongoing diplomatic struggles. Cuban officials communicated with the US government after the incident to clarify the situation and exchange information regarding the detained individuals. In the wake of this confrontation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that an independent investigation would take place to verify details of the incident, emphasizing the need for accurate information regarding the events that transpired.