Cuban prosecutors have formally charged six people with terrorism following a deadly shootout between a US-flagged speedboat and Cuba's coast guard on 25 February. The defendants, who are US-based Cuban exiles, are accused of packing the vessel with weapons and heading towards Cuba with the intention of destabilising the government.
The coast guard opened fire when the boat came within one nautical mile of the island's shores, killing four people aboard. At least two of those on the speedboat were US citizens, one of whom was killed. The six surviving detainees have been remanded into provisional detention, according to the attorney general's office.
Cuban officials allege the group carried nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles and 11 pistols. The interior ministry claimed the men came from the US intending to sow chaos and attack military units. Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell stated the accused face charges including terrorist acts, with potential sentences ranging from 15 years to the death penalty.
US politicians have expressed scepticism about Cuba's account, calling for an independent investigation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed no US government personnel were involved. Havana has stated Washington is willing to cooperate in the inquiry.
