What We Know About the Gun Battle Off the Coast of Cuba

NYT Homepage

by Patricia Mazzei, Frances Robles, Jack Nicas, Eric Schmitt and Yan Zhuang

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Cuba on Wednesday when four armed individuals aboard a Florida-based speedboat were involved in a gunfight with Cuban border troops. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of all four Cubans, according to officials. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and dangers associated with crossings between Cuba and the United States, particularly those involving migrants attempting to reach Florida. The group of Cubans was reportedly traveling in a speedboat that departed from Cuba and was heading toward the United States. Such journeys are often perilous, with individuals facing harsh conditions at sea and the risk of encounters with Cuban authorities or law enforcement. The involvement of Cuban border troops suggests that the individuals may have been attempting to evade detection, possibly as part of an organized smuggling operation. The incident raises questions about the broader context of migration from Cuba to the U.S. While some migrants are seeking political asylum or better opportunities, others are involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking or human smuggling. This particular event underscores the risks and challenges faced by those attempting to cross the straits between Cuba and Florida. For readers interested in news, this story is significant due to its connection to migration trends,

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/26/2026