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Cuba accuses US of harboring terrorists after armed maritime incursion
Cuban authorities have released new details regarding an armed incursion that occurred on February 25, 2026, involving ten Cuban exiles traveling from the Florida Keys. According to investigations by Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the group attempted to enter Cuban waters via speedboat and engaged in a gun battle with the Cuban Border Guard near Cayo Falcones.
The confrontation resulted in the deaths of five individuals—three during the exchange and one later from injuries—and left a Cuban coast guard commander wounded. The remaining five participants are in custody and face terrorism-related charges under Cuba’s penal code, which includes the potential for the death penalty.
Cuban officials, including prosecutor Edward Roberts and Colonel Francisco Estrada Portales, allege the operation was organized and financed by individuals residing in the United States. Investigators claim the group was equipped with 11 rifles, 15 handguns, nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, Molotov cocktails, and Starlink satellite equipment. Authorities specifically identified Maritza Lugo Fernandez, leader of the Florida-based Democratic Party of November 30, as an alleged organizer. Lugo Fernandez has denied the allegations.
Entities
Cayo Falcones · Cuba · Cuba Interior Ministry · Edward Roberts · Francisco Estrada Portales · Maritza Lugo Fernandez · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The seized weapons and explosives were found to be in good working condition. mymotherlode.com · www.troyrecord.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Cuban coast guard commander was wounded in the exchange. www.5septiembre.cu · mymotherlode.com · www.troyrecord.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ten Cuban exiles attempted to enter Cuba by boat from the Florida Keys on February 25, 2026. www.bairdmaritime.com · mymotherlode.com · news.az · www.troyrecord.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maritza Lugo Fernandez denies the allegations. www.bairdmaritime.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The group carried nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 11 rifles, and 15 handguns. www.bairdmaritime.com · news.az
- [● 4 SOURCES] Five individuals died during or following the armed confrontation. www.bairdmaritime.com · mymotherlode.com · news.az · www.troyrecord.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maritza Lugo Fernandez is accused of helping to organize the plot. www.bairdmaritime.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The detainees face terrorism-related charges under Cuba’s penal code. mymotherlode.com · www.troyrecord.com