Cuban President Diaz-Canel Stands By Killing Of People Aboard Civilian Boat: 'Will Defend Against Any Terrorist And Mercenary Aggression'

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stood by the country's killing of 10 passengers on a boat after claiming they opened fire at its forces.

In a social media publication, Diaz-Canel said Cuba "doesn't attack or make threats."

"We've raised this in several occasions and we stand by it today: Cuba will defend itself with determination and strength against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that intends to affect its sovereignty and national stability," he added.

Havana said on Wednesday it killed four people and wounded six more who were aboard a speed boat with Florida tags after they were fired upon.

Havana's Ministry of Interior detailed that the vessel approached within one nautical mile of Villa Clara on Monday morning. When local forces approached the vessel to identify its passengers, its occupants opened fire, leading forces to respond.

The statement added that the commander of the Cuban vessel was wounded. All those injured were "evacuated and received medical assistance," officials added.

State-run outlet Granma said forces seized assault rifles, short weapons, Molotov cocktails, bullet-proof vests, and camouflage apparel. It added that all those aboard the vessel were Cubans who lived in the U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted to the development on Wednesday, telling reporters that "we have various different elements of the U.S. government that are trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now."

GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez also reacted, saying he was calling "for an immediate investigation" into what he called a "massacre."

"United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred. The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity," he added.

The incident comes as tensions between Havana and Washington continue to escalate amid the latter's blockade of most fuel reaching the island.

Cuba didn't receive any oil in January for the first time in a decade. Bloomberg noted in another report that the lack of shipments illustrates the acute lack of fuel taking place in the country, with an analyst telling the outlet that he expects it to run out in the coming weeks.

The same outlet also reported last Friday that a ship potentially carrying Russian fuel is on its way to the beleaguered Caribbean country. The Sea Horse, it said, is expected to arrive in early March. It received ship-to-ship transfer off the coast of Cyprus and is believed to be carrying some 200,000 barrels of gasoil, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler.