Cuban authorities are advancing an investigation into a foiled armed infiltration attempt in territorial waters north of Villa Clara, where ten Cubans based in the United States were intercepted. Four died in the confrontation and one more passed away later, while Maritza Lugo, exiled in the US, denies being the main financier as accused by the regime. US authorities have expressed willingness to cooperate.
On February 25, 2026, a speedboat carrying ten Cubans from the United States was intercepted in Cuban territorial waters north of Villa Clara, according to reports from the Ministry of the Interior. In the confrontation, four died instantly and six were injured and detained. On February 27, a colonel from the Ministry of the Interior stated on national television that Maritza Lugo, a Cuban exiled in the United States, was the main financier of the group, which allegedly planned to bring weapons to the island by sea.
On March 4, 2026, the Cuban Prosecutor's Office charged the survivors with terrorism. That same day, Roberto Álvarez Ávila died from his injuries, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior on March 5. The injured detainees continue to receive specialized medical care.
Maritza Lugo, born in 1963 in Santa María del Rosario, Havana province, is a former political prisoner recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. She was involved in the “Frank País” November 30 Democratic Party, founded in 1991, and served five years in prison on charges of “inciting criminal acts” and “bribery.” Her husband, Rafael Ibarra Roque, was sentenced to 20 years in 1994. Lugo exiled to the United States in January 2001 and denies the accusations, calling them “infamous” in an interview with Martí Noticias, stating she did not train or finance the group.
From the outset, Cuban authorities have maintained communication with their US counterparts. On March 2, 2026, the United States conveyed through diplomatic channels its full willingness to cooperate, including the exchange of information and evidence. Forensic and investigative actions are progressing to clarify the facts and implicate all perpetrators, including individuals based in the United States. The Ministry of the Interior will keep the public informed as the investigation advances.
