Cuba charges captured men from US with terrorism offences

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 21:07 · Archive

Cuban authorities say men captured in February after attempting to enter Cuba by force have confessed and face terrorism charges.

A speedboat carrying ten men of Cuban origin from the United States attempted to enter Cuban waters on 25 February and opened fire on a Cuban coast guard vessel that tried to intercept it, Cuban authorities said. Three of the attackers were killed in the confrontation and a fourth later died of his injuries. The captain of the Cuban coast guard vessel was wounded. The boat was about 1.6 kilometres northeast of Cayo Falcones, off Cuba's northern coast.

Cuban authorities reported on Monday that the captured men have confessed and cooperated with investigators. Forensic examinations found the seized weapons and explosives were operational. The men could face terrorism-related charges involving deadly devices and explosives under Cuba's penal code, said Col. Francisco Estrada Portales, an official with the Interior Ministry's State Security department. The offences can carry the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet requested specific sentences. Cuba has not carried out an execution in decades.

Authorities reported arresting a person on land who allegedly provided support to the group. Equipment seized included rifles, handguns, explosives, uniforms, boots, helmets, medical supplies, food, an electric generator, satellite communications equipment and thousands of rounds of ammunition. 'The weapons and explosives were all in good working condition and ready to be used to cause harm,' Estrada said. The incident came as tensions between Cuba and the United States intensified, with Washington imposing energy restrictions on the island.

How it is being reported

• Cuba says US-based suspects confessed in armed incursion and face terrorism chargesCuban authorities report that men captured in February after attempting to enter Cuba by force from the United States have confessed and cooperated with investigators.Clickorlando · 19 Oct, 20:39
• Cuba says US-based suspects confessed in armed incursion and face terrorism chargesCuban authorities report that men captured in February after attempting to enter Cuba by force from the United States have confessed and cooperated with investigators.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 20:39

In this story: Cuba · United States · Francisco Estrada Portales · Cayo Falcones · Interior Ministry

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