The charges came after a group of Cuban nationals took a boat they had stolen from a man in Florida into Cuban waters on February 25 and then engaged in a gunfight with Cuban troops.
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On March 3, Cuban authorities indicted six people on terrorism charges in connection with a February 25 incident in which 10 people entered Cuban territorial waters on a stolen boat and engaged in a gunfight with government forces on the island.
According to Cuban authorities, the shootout occurred after Cuban border guards asked the soldiers to identify themselves. Four of the stolen boat’s crew were killed. Six people were injured and taken to Cuban authorities. A Cuban government military commander was also injured.
“Based on the provisions of the Penal Code, six defendants have been charged with terrorist crimes. The Attorney General’s Office has ordered their detention with provisional detention as a precautionary measure,” the Cuban embassy said in a statement. “Respecting the rights and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution and law, the Attorney General’s Office will ensure compliance with due process and adopt corresponding procedural decisions once the investigation is concluded.”
Another person was also arrested in connection with the scheme. Cuban authorities said the men were sent ahead to prepare for the arrival of others. It is unclear whether he is among those charged.
Cuba announced at the time that the group was planning to invade the island to carry out acts of terrorism amid heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba.
