"Prosecutors in Cuba on Tuesday charged six Cuban nationals with "crimes of terrorism" and accused them of entering Cuba with a US-flagged boat packed with weapons to stir unrest in the country. Their boat was intercepted by Cuba's coast guard as it entered Cuban waters last week, resulting in a shootout. Four of the Cuban nationals aboard the speedboat were killed in the incident and six others were wounded."
"Cuban officials said the boat was carrying firearms of various calibers, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition. The firefight began when the coast guard vessel approached the speedboat to demand identification, and they responded by opening fire. The officials also showed pictures of the vessels, which had bullet holes from the shootout they said took place at a range of 20 meters (66 feet)."
"If convicted, they could face prison terms of up to 10 to 15 years for the lesser offenses and 20 to 30 years or even the death penalty for the more serious charges, Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell said. The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between Cuba and the US, with the latter halting all oil shipments to the island country."
Cuba's coast guard intercepted a speedboat carrying six Cuban nationals and weapons as it entered Cuban waters. A firefight erupted when the coast guard demanded identification, with the boat's occupants opening fire first. Four people were killed and six wounded; six survivors were arrested. The vessel contained 14 rifles, 11 pistols, and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition. Cuban officials accused the occupants of attempting to incite unrest and target military units. Prosecutors charged them with terrorism crimes, with potential sentences ranging from 10-30 years imprisonment or death penalty. US political leaders questioned Cuba's account and called for independent investigation. The incident reflects escalating US-Cuba tensions amid halted US oil shipments.
Read at www.dw.com
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