A clash between Cuban Border Guard forces and a speedboat registered in Florida has resulted in four deaths and six injuries. This incident has heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, prompting strong reactions from lawmakers in Florida.

The Cuban Ministry of the Interior reported that authorities spotted a speedboat with Florida registration FL7726SH on Wednesday morning, about one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara province. According to Cuban officials, when a Border Guard vessel with five crew members approached the speedboat to identify it, the people on board allegedly opened fire, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel.

As a result of the confrontation, four people on the foreign boat were killed and six were injured. The injured individuals were provided medical care, and an investigation is underway, as stated by the ministry.

The incident has sparked immediate reactions from Florida’s political leaders. Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez, who represents Florida's 28th Congressional District, called the event an attack by the Cuban government, saying: “The dictatorship in #Cuba has just attacked a boat from Florida & murdered those on board. This regime must be relegated to the dust bin of history!”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier mentioned that he has directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with federal, state, and law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident. “The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” Uthmeier asserted.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, representing Florida's 27th District and serving on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that she is “closely monitoring reports” and is waiting for more information from U.S. authorities.

This clash comes amidst increasing pressure on Havana from Washington. The incident coincides with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with Caribbean leaders to discuss regional security, as the Trump administration continues to tighten economic restrictions on Cuba, including measures to cut off fuel supplies.

The Trump administration has been blocking oil shipments to Cuba, worsening a humanitarian crisis and raising pressures on the Cuban government, particularly following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a significant ally of Cuba, on January 3.