Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reaffirmed the Cuban State’s determination to defend its sovereignty and national stability against any external threat. Through official channels, the president emphasized that the island does not engage in aggression or threats against other countries, but assured that it will respond firmly to terrorist and mercenary acts that attempt to violate the integrity of Cuban territory.
For his part, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced that Cuba has historically faced numerous aggressive infiltrations originating from the United States since 1959. The Foreign Minister highlighted the high human and material cost that these actions have represented for the country and stressed that the protection of the coasts and national security constitute an inescapable duty of the authorities, while a rigorous investigation into the recent events is underway.
The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) also joined in these statements, emphasizing that “acts of terrorism and their promotion are contrary to international law and are severely punished under Cuban law.” Along the same lines, they added: “Cuba’s sovereignty is sacred and its defense is the greatest honor.”
The official pronouncements are in response to an armed confrontation that occurred last Wednesday, February 25, north of Villa Clara. The Ministry of the Interior (Minint) reported that Border Guard Troops intercepted a speedboat with Florida registration number FL7726SH. The crew opened fire on Cuban personnel as they approached the vessel to identify it.
The incident resulted in one Cuban officer wounded, four assailants killed, and six others injured. The injured received medical attention after being captured. Subsequent investigations confirmed that the operation was for terrorist purposes.
Ten people armed with assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosives (Molotov cocktails), telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms were aboard the neutralized vessel, which approached within one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in Falcones Cay, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province.
According to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), all those involved are Cuban citizens residing in the United States, many with criminal records and prior links to violent activities. Among those detained are individuals identified as Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who are on the National List of Persons Wanted for acts of terrorism under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373.
Authorities also arrested Duniel Hernández Santos on Cuban soil. The Cuban national confessed to having been sent from the United States to coordinate the logistics of the infiltration. The Cuban state is continuing its investigation to fully clarify the facts.
IMAGE CREDIT: The official statements respond to an armed confrontation that occurred last Wednesday, February 25, north of Villa Clara. Photo: Presidency of Cuba.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
