Shootout Off Cuba: A Complex Incident Involving Exiled Cubans

On February 28, 2026, a shootout occurred at Cayo Falcones, just off Cuba's north coast, involving the Cuban coastguard and ten armed men aboard a speedboat reportedly stolen in Florida. According to the Cuban government, the incident escalated when individuals on the speedboat opened fire, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries among the assailants, who were equipped with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives, and ballistic vests. The Cuban authorities labeled the group as “terrorists and mercenaries,” raising questions about their motivations and affiliations.

The Guardian

The incident echoes historical attempts by Cuban exiles to engage in military actions against the Castro regime, reminiscent of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. José Daniel Ferrer, a prominent Cuban dissident, expressed admiration for the deceased, framing their actions as a fight against "Castro-communist tyranny." However, the motivations behind the group’s actions remain unclear, with speculation about their funding and objectives.

The Guardian

Among the deceased was Michel Ortega Casanova, a member of the Casa Cuba de Tampa and the Cuban Republican Party. His brother described him as being driven by an “obsessive and diabolical” quest for freedom. The U.S. State Department confirmed that at least two of the individuals involved were U.S. citizens, highlighting the complex nature of the incident.

The Guardian

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the government had no prior knowledge of the operation and would conduct an inquiry to ascertain the facts. In contrast, Cuba's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, emphasized that Cuba has long been a victim of aggression from the U.S., a sentiment echoed by many in Havana. He noted that Cuba is open to cooperating with the U.S. to clarify the incident, indicating a desire to avoid complications in ongoing negotiations.

The Guardian

Critics, including Guillermo Grenier, a sociology professor at Florida International University, argue that the actions of the exiles are outdated and not representative of the current Cuban-American sentiment, which increasingly favors engagement over confrontation. Grenier pointed out that the ethos of armed rebellion has diminished among newer generations, who view such actions as anachronistic.

The Guardian

There are discrepancies regarding the identities and backgrounds of the individuals involved. While Cuban officials labeled them as terrorists, some family members and acquaintances have contested this characterization, leading to confusion about their true intentions and affiliations. The lack of clarity surrounding the group's funding and organization further complicates the narrative.

The Guardian

The incident may impact U.S.-Cuba relations, particularly as discussions about economic pressure and diplomatic engagement continue. Both governments appear to be navigating the fallout cautiously, with hopes that the situation will not escalate further and disrupt ongoing dialogues.

The Guardian

• “Didn’t we stop doing that years ago?” — Javi González, Cuban-American

The Guardian

• “They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences, nor their own lives,” — Misael Casanova, Brother of Michel Ortega Casanova

The Guardian

• “Cuba has been the victim of aggression and countless terrorist acts for over 60 years, mostly organised, financed and carried out from the territory of the US.” — Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Guardian

• “This kind of approach is anachronistic and not serious, to tell you the truth,” — Guillermo Grenier, Sociology Professor at FIU

The Guardian