Cuban influencer Alex Otaola has voiced his reaction to the statements made by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel regarding the armed confrontation that occurred on February 25 in the territorial waters of Villa Clara, resulting in four fatalities and seven injuries.
After hours of silence from the Cuban authorities, Díaz-Canel took to social media platform X to assert, "Cuba does not attack or threaten. We have reiterated this on numerous occasions, and we reaffirm it today. Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist or mercenary aggression that seeks to undermine its sovereignty and national stability."
This statement amplified the political discourse surrounding the incident, aligning it with the official narrative of defending sovereignty against alleged external threats, particularly from the United States.
In response, Otaola challenged Díaz-Canel on the same social media platform.
"A fishing boat is terrorism. The story you guys are spinning is endless. Ten fools to you are an army. In short! The never-ending story," Otaola posted, referring to the authorities' labeling of the group on the vessel as "terrorists."
On Wednesday, the Ministry of the Interior reported that a boat registered in Florida was detected in Cuban waters, leading to an exchange of gunfire when border guards attempted to identify it.
Of the ten men aboard the vessel, four were killed, and six were injured. The seventh injured individual was the commander of the Cuban border guard troops.
Otaola's reaction adds to the chorus of critical voices questioning the government's narrative, while the regime continues to portray the event as an assault on national security.
Understanding the Incident in Villa Clara
What prompted the confrontation in Villa Clara?
The confrontation was sparked when a boat registered in Florida entered Cuban waters and was engaged by Cuban border guards, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
How did Alex Otaola respond to the Cuban government's narrative?
Alex Otaola criticized the government's narrative by questioning the labeling of a fishing boat as a terrorist threat and mocked the government's characterization of the incident.
What was Díaz-Canel's stance on the incident?
Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba does not threaten or attack, but will defend its sovereignty against any perceived threats, framing the incident as a defense against external aggression.