Cuba’s speedboat shootout recalls long history of exile groups engaged in covert ops aimed at regime change

From the 1960s onward, dissident Cubans in exile have sought to undermine the government in Havana − often with US assistance.

By: William M. LeoGrande, American University School of Public Affairs, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 27, 2026

Words: 1,207

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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By William M. LeoGrande, American University School of Public Affairs

A boat carrying 10 heavily armed men entered Cuban territorial waters on Feb. 25, 2026, intent, according to officials in Havana, on infiltrating the island nation and undermining the communist government through acts of sabotage and terrorism. When the men opened fire on an approaching Cuban Border Guard patrol boat, the border guards returned fire, killing four and wounding the other six. Another Cuban American …

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