Cuba’s security forces opened fire on a vessel registered in the United States, killing four people and injuring six others.
According to a foreign news agency, Cuban authorities said the boat had entered their territorial waters when security personnel fired upon it. Four people died in the incident, while the injured were taken off the vessel and shifted to hospital. An investigation is under way.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action was not carried out by the United States and that no American government official was involved. The Cuban government has informed Washington of the incident.
He added that the US Embassy in Havana would independently ascertain the facts of the case. Such firing in open waters is highly unusual, he said.
The incident has occurred at a time of heightened tensions between Havana and Washington, with fears of a possible confrontation already present.
