The Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer has raised suspicions about possible infiltration by the regime into the armed group involved in a confrontation with Border Guard Troops in the waters of Villa Clara on Wednesday. This incident resulted in four deaths and six injuries.
Ferrer shared his views on Facebook, questioning the official narrative that the individuals involved were planning to infiltrate and commit terrorist acts. He speculated that if these ten armed Cubans indeed aimed to free Cuba, it is plausible that they were infiltrated by an agent of the tyranny who awaited them. His message suggested that the regime's intelligence might have exploited anti-communist Cubans by leading them into a trap, portraying the regime as a victim to gain international sympathy.
Previously, Ferrer had accused the Cuban government of initiating the gunfire against the boat registered in Florida. He expressed his hope that such a crime would not go unpunished and that the United States would respond with the necessary force. Ferrer emphasized that the Castro-communist tyranny is testing the patience of the U.S. administration by opening fire on an American-registered vessel, causing four deaths and six injuries.
Details of the Villa Clara Waters Incident
On February 25, a speedboat marked FL7726SH was detected about a nautical mile northeast of El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the vessel fired upon a Border Guard unit attempting to identify it, which led to an exchange of gunfire.
The official toll was four dead and six injured among those on the boat, with the commander of the Cuban vessel also wounded. Authorities claimed that the occupants, armed with assault rifles, handguns, incendiary devices, bulletproof vests, and camouflage uniforms, intended to carry out "terrorist infiltration."
Following the event, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated that Cuba has faced numerous aggressive terrorist infiltrations from the U.S. since 1959 and announced a thorough investigation to clarify the events, emphasizing the duty to defend Cuban coasts and national security.
Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova, a resident of Tampa. The identities of the other three victims have not been officially released.
U.S. Pressure and Scrutiny
From Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the U.S. will independently verify the incident rather than accept the Cuban government's account at face value. He noted that initial reports are incomplete and stressed the use of official channels, including the embassy in Havana, for accurate information.
Vice President JD Vance echoed this cautious approach, stating that the government is monitoring the situation, although acknowledging that all details are not yet available. He expressed hope that the situation is not as severe as feared but admitted to lacking further information.
In Congress, demands for transparency were prominent. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar accused the regime of lying and manipulating reality to protect itself, calling for a full and transparent investigation by the U.S. government with immediate access to survivors.
Congressman Carlos A. Giménez joined the call to urgently determine if any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents, while Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava requested complete clarification and total transparency following the shooting near Cuban shores.
In South Florida, members of the Cuban exile community expressed skepticism towards the official narrative, emphasizing the importance of independent verification in a case that remains under investigation in both nations.
Clarifying the Incident in Villa Clara Waters
What sparked the confrontation in Villa Clara's waters?
The confrontation began when a speedboat fired at a Border Guard unit that was attempting to identify it, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
How has the U.S. government responded to the incident?
The U.S. government is independently verifying the incident, with officials like Marco Rubio stressing the need for accurate information and transparency.
Who was identified among the deceased in the incident?
Michel Ortega Casanova, a resident of Tampa, was identified among those who died, though the identities of the other victims have not been disclosed.