Cuban authorities confirmed on Thursday that Roberto Alvarez Avila, one of the six surviving crew members of a US-flagged speedboat involved in a deadly clash with the Cuban coast guard last week, has died from injuries sustained during the confrontation.
The incident has escalated tensions between Havana and Washington. Prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against the surviving crew members, who are suspected of attempting to smuggle firearms into Cuba in a bid to destabilize the communist government.
According to Cuban officials, the confrontation took place on February 25, when a coast guard vessel approached the US-registered speedboat to demand identification. The crew reportedly responded by opening fire. In retaliation, the Cuban coast guard killed four crew members on board. The vessel was intercepted just one nautical mile from Cuba’s shores, underlining the high-risk proximity of the incident.
The interior ministry confirmed that the speedboat was carrying a substantial arsenal, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols, and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition. At least two US citizens were aboard, one of whom died in the confrontation.
“This investigation is advancing with the cooperation of US authorities, including evidence sharing and other joint actions,” the interior ministry stated on state television.
The incident comes amid long-standing political tensions between the United States and Cuba. US President Donald Trump’s administration has openly pursued regime change in Havana, and imposed an energy blockade after the ouster of Venezuela’s leftist leader, Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s main oil supplier. Analysts say the shootout may signal an escalation in the US-Cuba standoff, particularly given the involvement of American citizens and the potential for weapons smuggling.
Cuba’s authorities have reiterated their commitment to national security and warned that any attempts to undermine the government will be met with decisive action.
