In a critical voice against the Cuban regime, Misael Ortega Casanova, the brother of Michel Ortega Casanova—one of the four Cubans killed in an alleged confrontation with the Border Guards at Cayo Falcones—has raised doubts about the official version of events.
During an interview with journalist Mario Pentón from Martí Noticias, Misael expressed skepticism about the narrative being pushed by Havana, emphasizing that he was unaware of any armed plans his brother might have been involved in.
While acknowledging Michel's political interests and involvement with a Republican party, Misael was adamant that his brother wasn’t inclined to take up arms against Cuba. "I don't believe he was involved in anything like that," he asserted.
Who Was Michel Ortega?
Michel Ortega Casanova, aged 54, had lived in the United States for over two decades. He worked as a truck driver and owned his home. "He was just a regular guy," Misael noted, dismissing any portrayal of him as extreme or obsessive.
The Ortega family hails from Morón, Ciego de Ávila, with four siblings, one of whom still resides in Cuba. Their mother lives in Spain. Michel, who was married with two children—one in Spain and a daughter in Lakeland—was a U.S. citizen and owned firearms.
Misael expressed doubt about the official account, stating, "He would go shooting like any American would. But the way they tell it..." he trailed off, signaling his suspicion of the regime's story.
Choosing to avoid the government's narrative, Misael explained, "I don't want to watch any news because just hearing their dramatic portrayal, all that speculation—they make it seem like a justification," he stated.
The Day of the Incident
Concern grew for Misael when his brother failed to answer his usual Sunday calls. "He always called me on Sundays, and it was odd when he didn't pick up. Then I found his phone was off," Misael recounted.
Speculating on what might have happened, Misael mentioned that Michel often went boating with friends, possibly for shooting practice and fishing. "It seems they were heading to a shooting range and then planned to fish. But going to intervene in Cuba? I don't think that was the intention the regime is trying to portray," he commented.
Michel had previously shared intentions of visiting Cuba to provide aid to his hometown, not to engage in any armed intervention.
Questioning the Official Narrative
Journalist Pentón highlighted inconsistencies in the Cuban government's account, noting that four individuals died and six were injured in what was described as an armed confrontation, while only one border guard was reportedly hurt. The U.S. has announced its own investigation.
Addressing U.S. authorities, Misael expressed his grief and a broader reflection: "Today, I lost my brother, but how many families have been suffering for years?" He concluded with a prayer for an end to Cuba's turmoil from his Seventh-day Adventist faith: "This has to stop."
Michel remains the only identified victim among the four deceased in the Villa Clara incident. The names of the others have yet to be disclosed.
Casa Cuba of Tampa described Michel as "a patriot, a man committed to the cause of freedom and a member of the Cuban Republican Party," and marked his passing with three days of mourning.
Javier Díaz, a journalist with Univisión, accused the Cuban regime of manipulating the incident. "Those who went to Cuba are not terrorists. They went to liberate our country," he declared, noting that groups in Miami had been training for a strategic operation, though it appeared the plan was expedited.
Regime's Version
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that a fast boat registered FL7726SH from Florida was carrying ten armed individuals with purported "terrorist" intentions. Arrests were made, including Amijail Sánchez González, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, alongside Duniel Hernández Santos in Cuba.
The official statement indicated that some of those detained had criminal records, with two linked to previous investigations. Confiscated items included assault rifles, handguns, homemade incendiary devices, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms. The investigation continues, aiming to fully clarify the situation, according to the regime.
Key Questions about the Villa Clara Incident
What doubts have been raised about the Cuban regime's account of the incident?
Misael Ortega, among others, has questioned the plausibility of the government's narrative, particularly the claim that a boat full of armed individuals resulted in such a lopsided casualty count. The U.S. is conducting its own investigation into the matter.
Who was Michel Ortega Casanova?
Michel Ortega Casanova was a 54-year-old U.S. citizen who had lived in the United States for over 20 years. He worked as a truck driver and was involved in politics, though not to the extent of engaging in armed conflict, according to his brother.