On February 25, a serious violation of maritime borders occurred: an American boat registered in Florida entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on border guards, according to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior.
The incident took place near the El Pino Canal, located in the Villa Clara province. The crew of the boat began shooting when Cuban border guards approached the vessel. As a result of the clash, four people from the American boat were killed, and six others were injured. The injured were evacuated and are receiving medical assistance; the commander of the Cuban vessel was also injured.
Cuban officials emphasized: "In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to defend its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is the cornerstone of the Cuban state and stability in the region."
This incident occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Cuba and the United States, which have virtually completely blocked oil supplies to the island, leading to the onset of a fuel crisis.
Nevertheless, on the same day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced a permit for the resale of part of Venezuelan oil to support the private sector in Cuba, which will be carried out under special licenses.
