Yesterday, our authorities reported an attempted infiltration for terrorist purposes involving 10 individuals aboard a vessel registered in the State of Florida, United States.
From the very outset, upon determining that the vessel had departed from United States territory, Cuban authorities have maintained communication with their U.S. counterparts—including the Department of State and the Coast Guard—regarding this terrorist attempt. An investigation is currently underway to fully clarify the facts with the utmost rigor. The Cuban government is willing to exchange information with the United States government concerning this incident.
Among other requests, we will ask the U.S. authorities—through the existing mechanisms between the two countries—for information about the individuals involved, the vessel used, among other details.
U.S. government authorities have expressed their willingness to cooperate in clarifying these regrettable events.
It is appropriate to state that the 10 individuals involved are: Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Conrado Galindo Serrior, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló, Leordán Cruz Gómez, Amijail Sánchez González, Roberto Álvarez Ávila, Pavel Alling Peña, Michael Ortega Casanova, Ledián Padrón Guevara, and Héctor Duani Cruz Correa, the latter four deceased.
In an initial report, Rolando Roberto Ascorra Consuegra was mistakenly identified as part of the group, although he is not, despite the fact he is known for his record of involvement in violent actions and intentions against Cuba.
As previously reported, weapons were seized aboard the vessel. These include assault rifles, sniper rifles, pistols, Molotov cocktails, multiple tactical assault gear including night vision equipment, bulletproof vests, assault bayonets, camouflage clothing, ammunition of various calibers, combat rations, communication equipment, and a significant number of monograms from counterrevolutionary terrorist organizations. This information is still preliminary. Further details will be provided in the coming days.
This is not an isolated act.
For over 60 years, Cuba has been the victim of aggression and countless terrorist acts, most of them have been organized, financed, and carried out from United States territory.
In recent years, Cuban authorities have denounced the increase in violent and terrorist plans and actions against Cuba, as well as the prevailing sense of impunity among the organizers and perpetrators in the face of inaction against them. Cuban authorities have regularly provided the US Government with information on individuals who in recent years, have been involved in promoting, financing, and organizing violent and terrorist acts against Cuba.
This information includes the National List of individuals and entities that have been subject to criminal investigations and are wanted by Cuban authorities due to their participation in acts of terrorism. It is compiled in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, the norms and principles of international law, and domestic legislation.
Two of the perpetrators, Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, are included on the list shared with the United States in 2023 and 2025, and they enjoyed impunity within U.S. territory. The Cuban government is still awaiting responses to requests for information about them and the other individuals and organizations included on that list.
Anti-Cuban groups operating in the United States resort to terrorism as an expression of their hatred to Cuba and the impunity they believe they enjoy.
Cuba reaffirms its absolute and categorical commitment against all terrorist acts, methods, and practices in all their forms and manifestations.
Our country maintains an exemplary record in combating terrorism and has fulfilled—and will continue to honor—the commitments it has undertaken in this area. Cuba is a State Party to the 19 international conventions on terrorism and has accordingly implemented legal and institutional measures aimed at effectively combating this scourge. Cuba has the duty and responsibility to protect its territorial waters.
Our actions are consistent with the international law, which applies to all countries, including the United States itself. Furthermore, they are part of the Cuban state´s national defense as an indispensable pillar for safeguarding our sovereignty, as well as the lives, security, and well-being of Cubans.
(Cubaminrex)