The Cuban government announced on Monday that the survivors of the armed confrontation that occurred in February near Cayo Falcones in Villa Clara have admitted their involvement and are cooperating with ongoing investigations. These individuals now face potential terrorism charges, which under Cuban law, could lead to the death penalty.
These statements were made by Colonel Francisco Estrada Portales, an official from the State Security department of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), during an interview with AP.
Estrada remarked that the detainees acknowledged their role in the alleged armed operation and provided key information that has helped advance the investigation.
He also noted that forensic analyses conducted on the seized weapons and explosives confirmed they were operational.
Unverified Claims and Human Rights Concerns
However, AP was unable to independently verify the contents of the recordings shown by Cuban authorities or the conditions under which these alleged confessions were obtained.
This warning holds particular importance given previous claims by families and activists about threats, alleged mistreatment, and limited access to the detainees.
According to the colonel, the suspects may face terrorism charges, especially for actions involving deadly devices and explosives.
The Cuban Penal Code, enacted through Law 151 of 2022, includes the death penalty for certain severe forms of terrorism, such as those outlined in Article 170.
Nevertheless, Estrada clarified that prosecutors had not yet requested specific sentences, according to AP.
Historical Context of the Death Penalty in Cuba
Cuba continues to uphold the death penalty in its legal system, even though no executions have been recorded since April 11, 2003, when three men were executed for hijacking a vessel to reach the United States.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned these executions, questioning the judicial guarantees of the process.
Details of the Cayo Falcones Incident
The recent official statement pertains to the incident on February 25, 2026, when a speedboat from the United States, carrying ten Cuban nationals, was intercepted by Border Guard Troops near Cayo Falcones, off the northern coast of Villa Clara.
According to the regime's account, the boat's occupants attempted to forcibly enter Cuban territory and opened fire on a patrol boat approaching to intercept them.
Authorities stated that the leader of the official vessel was injured, and the border guards returned fire.
The boat was discovered approximately 1.6 kilometers northeast of Cayo Falcones, as reported by AP.
Aftermath and International Attention
Initially, Cuban authorities reported four fatalities and six injuries among the ten occupants of the boat from Florida.
Later, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed the death of Roberto Álvarez Ávila, one of the injured, who succumbed to his injuries on March 4. This increased the death toll to five.
Consequently, subsequent reports listed five survivors.
In addition to the arrests made following the maritime incident, Cuban authorities announced the arrest of an individual on land, accused of providing support to the group.
Allegations and International Inquiries
Estrada claimed that the detainees' statements led to the identification of Amijail Sánchez González, residing in the United States since 2016, as the individual who allegedly fired the initial shots during the clash.
Sánchez had previously been named on a list of individuals accused by the regime of being potential terrorists.
His situation attracted attention after the February incident when it emerged that Havana had identified him as a suspect in terrorist activities before his detention.
Another detainee mentioned by the colonel is Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, who is also on Cuba's list of individuals accused of terrorism.
Cuban authorities showed AP recordings of suspect statements. In one attributed to Cruz, the detainee stated that the group intended to secure an area and encourage Cubans to overthrow the government.
But the American agency made it clear they could not ascertain if these statements were made of free will or verify the interrogation conditions.
The lack of verifiable guarantees surrounding the statements is one of the most sensitive aspects of the case, especially considering the severity of the potential penalties.
Reports of the survivors' detention conditions surfaced months before Monday's announcement.
In June, families and opposition groups alleged that survivors were under threats and psychological pressure in the Combinado del Este prison in Havana.
Maritza Lugo, a representative of the Democratic Party Movement of November 30 "Frank País," claimed at the time that the detainees were under constant surveillance and extremely harsh detention conditions.
"They have been threatened with death, are constantly monitored, and subjected to relentless psychological pressure," the activist reported.
Lugo also claimed that Sánchez González had been beaten during interrogations conducted in Villa Marista, resulting in injuries that affected his hearing.
The activist questioned the conditions under which survivors were interviewed during an April 1 visit by FBI agents to Cuba, who participated in the investigation of the confrontation.
According to Lugo's June report, detainees could not speak privately with U.S. investigators due to the presence of State Security agents during the interrogations.
These concerns also reached the United Nations.
In March, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances requested information from Cuban authorities regarding the whereabouts, legal status, and legal grounds for the detention of the survivors, following urgent actions promoted by Cubalex.
The organization had reported difficulties faced by families and legal representatives in obtaining information about the detained individuals in the days following the incident.
The committee sought clarifications on the location of the detainees, the charges against them, and documentation related to their detention.
In June, reports based on family and activist complaints indicated that Cuban prosecutors had charged the survivors with terrorism.
Weapons and Equipment Seized
Colonel Francisco Estrada Portales also commented on the weapons and equipment allegedly confiscated during the operation.
MININT had previously displayed rifles, pistols, explosives, uniforms, boots, helmets, medical supplies, food, a generator, satellite communication equipment, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
According to the official, forensic tests concluded that the weapons and explosives were in good working condition and capable of causing harm.
Finally, Estrada stated that Havana shared its findings with the United States, but as of this Monday, had not received a response.
Key Questions about the Cayo Falcones Incident
What were the charges against the survivors of the Cayo Falcones incident?
The survivors face potential charges related to terrorism, particularly involving the use of deadly devices and explosives.
What is the historical context of the death penalty in Cuba?
Cuba maintains the death penalty within its legal framework, though no executions have been reported since April 2003, following a controversial execution of three men for hijacking a boat to the United States.
How did the international community respond to the executions in 2003?
The executions in 2003 were condemned by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which raised concerns over the judicial process's guarantees.
What concerns have been raised regarding the detainees' treatment?
Families and activists have reported threats, psychological pressure, and harsh detention conditions, raising concerns about human rights violations.