Havana: A US Republican congressman pressed for answers Thursday about a shooting on a speedboat off Cuba's coast where Havana forces killed four people, and he demanded access to six others involved who are currently in Cuban custody.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rep. Carlos Gimenez from the state of Florida expressed skepticism over Cuba's version of events, relaying his concerns to Fox News. Gimenez voiced distrust towards the Cuban government's account, which he noted had changed since the incident. Initially described as a human smuggling operation, Cuba later labeled those on board as terrorists. Gimenez emphasized the need for clarity, insisting, "We need to get to the bottom of it."
Gimenez also highlighted the complexities surrounding nationality, pointing out Cuba's tendency to classify anyone of Cuban descent as a Cuban national, irrespective of their US citizenship or residency. "I'm a member of Congress - in Cuba, I'm considered a Cuban national," Gimenez remarked, asserting that he believed the individuals on the boat originated from the United States.
The congressman disputed the portrayal of the vessel, clarifying it was "a 24-foot open fisherman with one 300-horsepower engine" carrying 10 people, contrary to reports describing it as a speedboat. Gimenez argued that the Cuban government was vulnerable, suggesting it was "the closest we've been to seeing a free Cuba," and urged the Trump administration to maintain pressure on Havana for democratic reforms.
Gimenez's stance was even firmer on US social media platform X, where he insisted the Cuban government "must be completely annihilated and relegated to the ash heap of history," advocating for accountability for what he called "this evil dictatorship."
The incident, as reported by Havana, involved the interception of a vessel with 10 armed individuals who allegedly opened fire on border guards, resulting in four deaths and six injuries. Havana referred to the event as a "foiled armed infiltration." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington was independently verifying the details provided by Cuba.