In Miami, members of the Cuban exile community have expressed skepticism regarding the account provided by the Cuban government concerning the armed confrontation that resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries aboard a Florida-registered vessel.
Local 10 reported that in Little Havana, doubts have emerged about the motives behind and the credibility of the statement released by Cuban authorities, which claimed the shooting was a result of an exchange of gunfire after the boat entered Cuban territorial waters.
Along the bustling Calle Ocho, outside La Ventanita at Versailles restaurant, several residents voiced their mistrust of any information disseminated by the regime. Gus García, one interviewee, emphasized that the Cuban government does not allow freedom of the press or independent public opinion, leading him to question the veracity of their statements.
Through its embassy in the United States, the Cuban government reported that during the incident near Villa Clara province, four people were killed and six were injured. Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernández issued a statement questioning the authenticity of what he termed a "supposed official statement," describing it as a propagandistic narrative from a regime lacking credibility. Fernández highlighted that the version provided by Havana has not been verified or confirmed by independent sources.
Echoing the call for transparency, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a statement on social media platform X, affirming that her administration is closely monitoring the situation. She urged for a comprehensive and immediate evaluation of the incident, demanding full clarity on the facts and accountability.
The incident continues to provoke reactions across South Florida, where the Cuban-American community is closely following any additional information that might clarify the events in Cuban waters. Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar called on U.S. authorities to urgently investigate the armed confrontation that left four dead and several injured aboard a vessel with Florida registration.
In a public statement, Salazar expressed her vigilance over reports indicating that Cuban regime forces opened fire on a Florida-registered speedboat. Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Carlos A. Giménez demanded an immediate investigation following reports of the armed clash in Cuban waters. Giménez called for U.S. authorities to urgently determine if any of the casualties were U.S. citizens or legal residents and to fully clarify the events near Villa Clara province.
Understanding the Cuban Regime's Narrative on the Florida Boat Incident
Why are Cuban exiles in Miami skeptical about the Cuban government's account?
Cuban exiles in Miami are doubtful of the Cuban government's account due to the regime's lack of freedom of the press and independent public opinion, leading many to question the credibility of any official statements.
What actions are U.S. officials taking in response to the incident?
U.S. officials, including Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Congressman Carlos A. Giménez, are calling for urgent investigations to determine the facts surrounding the incident and to assess if any casualties were U.S. citizens or legal residents.
What has the Cuban government claimed about the incident?
The Cuban government has claimed that the incident was a result of an exchange of gunfire after the Florida-registered boat entered Cuban territorial waters, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries.