Cuba says electricity plant successfully repaired after large blackout

Cuban authorities announced the successful repair of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which had shut down earlier in the week, causing widespread blackouts. The plant, located in Cuba, is expected to resume operations by Saturday afternoon. A broken boiler caused the shutdown, leaving millions without power in the country's western areas. The repair pace was slowed by difficult working conditions and safety concerns. The incident occurred amidst increasing US pressure, including an oil blockade, which has strained Cuba's aging energy infrastructure. The US has taken measures to isolate Cuba and cut off its oil supply, further impacting the island's energy system.

Protests have erupted in Cuba following a widespread blackout that left thousands without power in the western part of the island. The outage occurred on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and has yet to be fully resolved. The Cuban government attributes the electricity crisis to US sanctions and a shortage of fuel needed to operate power plants. The lack of electricity has sparked public discontent, leading to demonstrations in affected areas. The protests highlight the ongoing challenges Cuba faces in maintaining its energy infrastructure.

The Cuban government announced a fifth death resulting from a February 26th shootout with a Florida-flagged speedboat near Cayo Falcones. Cuban authorities claim the boat, carrying 10 people, opened fire on Cuban soldiers. Cuba alleges the passengers were armed Cuban-Americans intending to infiltrate the island and commit acts of terrorism. Authorities have filed terrorism charges against six suspects and presented evidence including weapons and ammunition allegedly found on the boat. The Cuban Interior Ministry stated that investigations are ongoing and suggest the involvement of other individuals based in the United States. The remaining injured detainees are reportedly receiving specialized medical care.

Cuba closed its embassy in Quito, Ecuador, after the Ecuadorian government, led by President Daniel Noboa, expelled all Cuban diplomatic and consular personnel, declaring them persona non grata and granting them 48 hours to leave the country. The expulsion, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted strong criticism from the Cuban government, which described the action as unjustified, hostile, and damaging to the historic relations between the two nations. Ecuador did not provide an explanation for the expulsion. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the embassy ceased operations on Friday at 10 am local time. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed regret over the decision but affirmed Cuba's continued support for the Ecuadorian people.

A widespread power outage struck western Cuba on Wednesday, impacting millions from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including Havana. The blackout, caused by a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, is the latest in a series of energy crises exacerbated by U.S. sanctions imposed during the Trump administration. Cuba's aging infrastructure and fuel shortages, worsened by the halt of Venezuelan oil exports in January, contribute to the instability. While some businesses and residents utilize solar panels and generators, the government anticipates at least three days to fully restore power. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba warns of prolonged outages affecting essential services and advises residents to conserve resources. Despite the energy crisis, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated his administration will not negotiate with Washington for a new agreement.

On March 5, 2026, a large-scale power outage impacted approximately two-thirds of Cuba, including Havana. The blackout left millions without electricity. Residents reported that the outage exacerbated an existing energy crisis. The ongoing energy crisis is reportedly worsened by a US pressure campaign.

A blackout has left millions of people without power in western Cuba, including Havana, nearly a day after the outage occurred. The cause is attributed to a fragile electric grid and a lack of fuel. Crews are working to repair a broken boiler at one of Cuba's largest thermoelectric plants, but officials warn that full restoration may take three to four days. State media reported that nearly 297,000 customers remain without power. The blackout is the latest in a series of outages on an island struggling with dwindling oil reserves and a crumbling electric grid. Crews are racing against time to restore power to the affected areas.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump stated that regime change in Cuba is a matter of time, potentially following US action against Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio's work on Cuba, where the administration has been tightening economic sanctions. Trump's administration has been increasing economic pressure on Cuba with the goal of overthrowing its communist government. He has previously threatened to cut off Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba. Trump has expressed willingness to use military force to advance his global priorities, including in Latin America, despite international law constraints.

On Wednesday, March 5, 2026, Cuba experienced a widespread power outage affecting two-thirds of the country, including Havana. The state electric utility, UNE, attributed the blackout to a fault at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, impacting electricity supply from Pinar del Rio to Las Tunas. The outage briefly interrupted Cuban state TV broadcasts. This occurred amidst already existing issues with Cuba's electricity generation system, where daily power outages are common due to fuel shortages. Simultaneously, Ecuador expelled Cuba's Ambassador Basilio Gutierrez and his diplomatic staff from Quito, further straining relations between the two nations. The article suggests the United States' attempts to curtail oil shipments to Cuba may be exacerbating the country's energy crisis.

A widespread blackout plunged millions of Cubans into darkness on Wednesday, affecting a large area from Camaguey to Havana. The outage was triggered by a breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. This is the second major blackout in the western region in three months, exacerbating existing fuel shortages and straining the country's infrastructure. Cuba has faced increasing power cuts due to fuel shortages, partly attributed to U.S. sanctions and the disruption of oil shipments from Venezuela since January. The fuel crisis has also led to Air France suspending flights to Havana, further impacting international tourism. The blackouts are disrupting essential services, including hospitals and public transportation.

A major blackout struck western Cuba on Wednesday, leaving millions without power from Pinar del Rio to Camaguey, including the capital city of Havana. The Electric Union confirmed the outage and stated crews were working to restore power. State media attributed the blackout to a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant due to a boiler leak. This is the second major outage in the region in three months, exacerbating existing challenges for residents who are already struggling with limited transportation and basic needs. Cuba faces dwindling oil reserves due to US actions against Venezuela and threats of tariffs on oil-supplying countries, further straining the island's energy infrastructure.

Cuban prosecutors have charged six Cuban exiles with terrorism following a deadly speedboat attack. The defendants, based in the United States, are accused of traveling to Cuba with the intent to destabilize the Communist government. The incident involved a US-flagged speedboat and a shootout with the Cuban coast guard. The Cuban government alleges the individuals were armed and planned to attack military units on the island. The charges stem from an event that occurred last week.

The Trump administration, after previously blocking foreign oil shipments to Cuba, has authorized the private sale of limited quantities of oil to the island nation. This policy shift allows oil to be sold to Cuba, but stipulates that the Cuban government cannot be the recipient. The change in policy comes after a period of restricted oil access for Cuba. The purpose of this new measure is to allow oil to reach the Cuban people while bypassing the Cuban government. The timing and specific reasons behind this policy change were not specified in the article.

In February 2026, Cuban authorities presented new details regarding a fatal shooting incident involving a speedboat in Cuban waters that resulted in four deaths. The presentation in Havana displayed weapons allegedly recovered from the boat. Cuban authorities stated that a second boat involved in the mission was unsuccessful. The article does not specify who was on the boats, or the purpose of the mission, but the photos show weapons recovered from the boat. The incident is under investigation.

In February 2026, President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba by the United States. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that Cuba is in economic distress and seeking US assistance. He claimed Cuba has "no money, no oil, no food" and is a "failing nation." Trump mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the initiative. The US has been increasing pressure on Cuba, with strained relations and a trade embargo in place since the 1960s. Trump has been pushing for regime change on the island over the last two months, using economic and diplomatic pressure.

In February 2026, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is in talks with Cuba, suggesting a possible "friendly takeover" of the island nation. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., Trump mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaged in high-level discussions with Cuban leaders. Trump characterized Cuba as a "failed nation" seeking U.S. assistance, citing their current economic struggles. These remarks followed a recent incident where a boat carrying armed Cubans from the U.S. allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers off the island's coast, resulting in casualties on both sides. The White House did not provide further clarification on the President's comments.

Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba. Trump stated that the Cuban government is in trouble and engaging in discussions with the US. These comments follow reports of US officials meeting with Raúl Castro's grandson and increased pressure on Cuba after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US has been tightening its grip on Cuba by imposing an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already parlous economy. Trump alluded to the Cuban exile community in the US, suggesting a takeover of the island could be “something good ... very positive” for them. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has previously stated that any discussions must respect Cuba's sovereignty and independence.

President Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba" while speaking to reporters on Friday. He stated that Cuba is "in big trouble" and the US could do something positive for Cuban exiles living in America who wish to return. These comments represent some of Trump's most detailed statements regarding his plans for Cuba, which has been under pressure from the US. The administration recently announced plans to allow American energy companies to ship fuel to private Cuban businesses. The White House appears to be leveraging Cuba's energy crisis to increase US influence on the island nation.

Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis marked by widespread blackouts and shortages of essential goods, threatening the stability of the Cuban Revolution. The situation has worsened since the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption of oil supplies from Venezuela. Many Cubans are experiencing poverty reminiscent of the pre-revolution era, struggling to obtain food and fuel for cooking. The US government's increased control over Venezuela's oil industry has significantly reduced crude oil shipments to Cuba. As a result, families are resorting to using firewood for cooking and facing daily struggles to secure basic necessities. This economic hardship is causing widespread discontent and raising questions about the revolution's ability to provide for its citizens.

Cuban authorities reported that a speedboat carrying 10 men from the United States attempted to destabilize the Cuban government. The incident occurred this week when the boat was intercepted by Cuban border agents, resulting in a shootout that killed four of the men. The six surviving crew members are receiving medical treatment, as is at least one Cuban officer. According to CBS News, at least one of the deceased was a U.S. citizen. Cuban officials defended their response, stating the speedboat passengers initiated the gunfire. An associate of one of the deceased men claimed he sought to overthrow the Cuban government, amidst heightened tensions between Cuba and the U.S.

According to the Cuban government, a boat carrying ten armed individuals opened fire on Cuban soldiers in Cuban waters on Wednesday. Cuban authorities allege the individuals were Cuban citizens residing in the United States. The Cuban government claims the group's intention was to infiltrate the island and commit acts of terrorism. The incident resulted in four deaths. The Cuban government has not released further details about the event or the identities of those involved. The investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday, a Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban waters, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between those on board and Cuban border troops. The incident involved a vessel originating from Florida and occurred within Cuban territorial waters. While the specific reasons for the boat's presence are not stated, this is not an isolated event. Similar armed clashes between vessels and Cuban forces have occurred previously. Specifically, there were two other instances of such confrontations recorded in 2022. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions and potential security concerns in the waters between Florida and Cuba.

A U.S. official confirmed that at least one American citizen was killed and another injured when Cuban border guards intercepted a speedboat near Cuba's northern coast on Wednesday. The incident resulted in four deaths and six injuries. Cuban authorities allege the individuals on the Florida-registered boat were planning a terrorist infiltration and initiated the gunfire. The boat's owner claims it was stolen. Cuban officials initially stated all ten individuals were Cuban nationals residing in the U.S., but later identified an eleventh person arrested who confessed to involvement in the alleged plot. Cuban authorities recovered weapons and tactical gear from the speedboat and stated that most of those involved had prior criminal records.

Cuba has vowed to defend itself against "terrorist aggression" after a US-registered speedboat allegedly attacked Cuban border guards off the northern coast near Varadero. According to Cuban authorities, the boat, originating from the Florida Keys, opened fire, resulting in the death of four exiles and injuries to others, including a Cuban commander. One of the deceased had expressed intentions to incite an uprising against the Cuban government. The incident has the potential to escalate tensions between the US and Cuba, though both governments have signaled a desire to de-escalate. US officials reportedly met with Raul Castro's grandson around the time of the incident, while the US Secretary of State stated the US government had no involvement and is gathering information. Cuba claims to have apprehended an additional member of the group who confessed to planning to meet the boat.

Following a deadly shootout between the Cuban coast guard and a U.S.-registered speedboat in Cuban territorial waters on Wednesday, Russia warned against "provocative actions" around Cuba. The incident resulted in four deaths and six injuries among the boat's occupants, who Cuba claims were armed Cuban-Americans attempting to infiltrate the island for terrorist activities. The Cuban government also reported that their vessel's commander was injured. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stated the U.S. would independently investigate the incident and respond accordingly. Russia emphasized the importance of resolving humanitarian issues for Cuban citizens and urged restraint to maintain security around the island. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida is also looking into the matter.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Cuban border patrol forces engaged in a shootout with a speedboat from the United States near Cayo Falcones, Cuba, resulting in the deaths of four people. According to a statement from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the speedboat, bearing a Florida license plate, allegedly fired the first shot, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. Cuban forces returned fire, killing four and injuring six, who were then evacuated for medical assistance. The purpose of the speedboat's presence in Cuban waters is currently unknown, and the identities of those on board have not been released. The Cuban government stated it reserves the right to protect its territorial waters and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, which occurs amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba.

Cuban authorities reported that its coast guard killed four people and wounded six others on a U.S.-registered speedboat off the coast of Cuba on Wednesday. According to Cuba's Interior Ministry, a Cuban patrol vessel approached the Florida-registered boat to identify the occupants when individuals on the speedboat allegedly opened fire, wounding the captain of the Cuban vessel. The Cuban coast guard returned fire, resulting in the deaths and injuries. The injured individuals from the speedboat were evacuated and received medical treatment. The ministry did not release details about the identities or nationalities of those involved or the incident's specific location.

On Wednesday, Cuba's coastguard killed four people and injured six others in a firefight with a US-registered speedboat near Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province. According to Cuba's interior ministry, the coastguard approached the "illegal" Florida-registered boat one nautical mile off the coast to identify it, at which point shots were fired from the boat, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel. The Cuban coastguard returned fire, resulting in the deaths and injuries. A US official, cited by the New York Times, stated that the vessel was a civilian boat attempting to extract relatives from Cuba. The boat was identified as a 24-foot Pro-Line fishing boat built in 1981.

Cuban border guards killed four gunmen and wounded six others on a US-registered speedboat off the coast of Villa Clara province on Tuesday. According to the Cuban Interior Ministry, one border guard was injured during the exchange of gunfire. The nationality of the gunmen is currently unspecified. The incident occurred in a militarized area commonly used for both Cuban migration to the US and people smuggling. This clash occurs amidst heightened tensions between the US and Cuba, exacerbated by an ongoing oil embargo and humanitarian crisis. The Cuban government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its territorial waters and national sovereignty. The incident evokes memories of past conflicts, including the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes, which further strained US-Cuban relations.