FBI Team Probes Cuba Shootout Involving US Citizens

A team of FBI investigators has arrived in Cuba to probe a deadly shootout in late February between Cuban border guards and the crew of a speedboat that arrived from Florida, marking a rare instance of U.S. law enforcement cooperation with the island nation amid strained bilateral relations.

The incident involved a vessel carrying 10 individuals who, according to Cuban authorities, intended to launch an effort to overthrow the government. Upon reaching Cuban waters, the boaters opened fire on border guards, sparking a confrontation that resulted in the deaths of five crew members and injuries to one Cuban soldier. Cuban officials reported recovering assault rifles, ammunition, bulletproof vests and Molotov cocktails from the boat, which they described as evidence of the group's hostile intentions.

At least one of the deceased and one of the survivors hold U.S. citizenship, U.S. officials confirmed in February. The five surviving crew members now face terrorism charges in Cuba, where authorities initially classified all involved as Cuban nationals. Cuba's government does not recognize dual citizenship and considers anyone born on the island a Cuban citizen regardless of other...