One of six individuals detained following a shootout with Cuban border troops last week has died, according to a statement released Thursday by Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior (Minint). The incident has further strained relations between Havana and Washington.
Roberto Álvarez Ávila, one of those injured during the February 25th confrontation, “died on March 4th as a consequence of the injuries received,” the ministry stated.
Cuban authorities say border troops intercepted a speedboat originating from the United States in Cuban territorial waters. According to the government’s account, the vessel carried 10 people and a significant amount of weaponry.
The Minint alleges that those on board the speedboat opened fire on the border patrol, prompting a response from Cuban agents. Four individuals aboard the boat were killed at the scene, even as the remaining six were wounded.
Authorities indicated that the injured detainees “continue to receive specialized medical assistance according to their health status and the severity of each case.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and identify all those involved. According to the ministry, statements from the detainees are bolstering evidence against them and pointing to the possible involvement of other individuals residing in the United States.
Cuban officials stated they have been in communication with their U.S. Counterparts since the beginning of the investigation. On Monday, U.S. Authorities “expressed their willingness to cooperate fully in the investigation” through diplomatic channels, potentially including “information exchange, evidence sharing, and other joint actions.”
“Given the seriousness of the events and the threat that terrorism represents not only for Cuba, national authorities, consistent with their historical stance on this issue, consider reciprocal cooperation in combating this dangerous scourge for all of humanity a duty,” the ministry added.
Cuba’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) announced Tuesday that terrorism charges have been filed against the detained individuals, and has requested pre-trial detention. Previously, the FGR indicated the charges carry a potential sentence ranging from 10 years in prison “up to life imprisonment and the death penalty.”
This incident occurs at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. And Cuba, following Washington’s imposition of what Havana describes as an oil blockade and calls for negotiations and policy changes. The development underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic talks.
