New York, Feb 26 (NationPress) Cuba has reported the death of four individuals aboard a suspicious US speedboat following a confrontation in its waters, escalating the existing tensions between Washington and Havana. US President Donald Trump had previously designated Cuba as an “extraordinary threat.”

“We will investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and respond appropriately,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the confrontation that took place on Wednesday.

"It's quite rare to witness such shootouts in open waters," he stated. "This is an unusual occurrence and hasn't been seen with Cuba in a long time."

Cuba’s Interior Ministry disclosed that the individuals on the speedboat opened fire at Cuban border guards who approached for identification on Wednesday morning, injuring the commander of the Cuban vessel.

In return fire, four “aggressors” on the speedboat were killed, while six others who sustained injuries were evacuated and are currently receiving medical care, according to the ministry.

While the individuals aboard the boat were not identified, the registration number revealed it was registered in Florida, located approximately 150 kilometers from Cuba, which has a significant community of exiles.

The boat identified is recorded in a vessel database as a 24-foot Pro-Line, approximately 45 years old, and capable of accommodating around 10 people.

This incident coincided with the US's minor easing of the oil embargo imposed on Cuba by allowing a limited flow of Venezuelan oil, restricted solely to the private sector in a Communist nation where much of the economy is state-controlled.

Rubio, attending a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Kitts and St. Nevis, mentioned that US diplomats in Cuba are trying to contact the injured individuals from the boat to ascertain their citizenship status and gather more details about the incident.

Rubio emphasized that this event was not a US government operation and that no government personnel were involved.

Vice President J.D. Vance commented from Washington that the US is closely monitoring developments, expressing hope that the situation isn't as severe as it could potentially be.

“However, I cannot provide further details as information remains limited,” he acknowledged, highlighting the mystery surrounding the boat's identity.

Florida Attorney-General James Uthmeier has instructed state prosecutors to investigate the situation, stating, "We will ensure these communists are held accountable.”

Cuba's Interior Ministry also announced it is conducting its investigation into the matter.

“In light of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters, asserting that the defense of the nation is a fundamental principle of the Cuban State,” it warned.

Since the Communist takeover of Cuba led by the late Fidel Castro, the US has maintained a contentious relationship with the island nation.

Issuing multiple sanctions against Cuba and those engaged in specific trades with it, Trump previously characterized Havana as “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to US “national security and foreign policy.”

He accused Cuba of collaborating with Russia, Iran, and various terrorist organizations against the United States.

Recent tensions intensified following the capture of Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, a close ally of Cuba, by US forces last month.

With Cuba relying on discounted or free Venezuelan oil, the current energy crisis is exacerbating its economic troubles.

The US has strategically utilized the oil embargo with the expectation that worsening conditions could lead to the downfall of President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s government.

“Cuba must undergo significant changes to improve the quality of life for its citizens,” Rubio, the son of Cuban exiles, remarked.

The enigmatic boat incident evokes memories of the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, where a cohort of Cuban exiles, aided clandestinely by Washington, attempted a failed maritime assault on Fidel Castro’s regime.

Boats are frequently employed for smuggling people out of Cuba, and incidents involving gunfire and Cuban forces are not uncommon.

Earlier this month, Trump issued an order permitting US forces to intercept American boats heading towards Cuba due to the severe risks involved.