Cuban coastguard

The Cuban coastguard is the maritime security force of Cuba, responsible for patrolling its territorial waters and enforcing its laws at sea. They are in the news due to a recent incident where they engaged a US-registered speedboat in a firefight off the coast of Villa Clara province. According to the Cuban interior ministry, the coastguard detected the boat, deemed "illegal," approximately one nautical mile from Falcones Cay. As the coastguard vessel approached for identification, an exchange of fire occurred, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to six others on the speedboat. This event has drawn attention due to the international implications of a confrontation between Cuban authorities and a vessel from the United States, particularly given the complex history between the two nations and the presence of a large Cuban exile community in Florida.