Clash Came 30 Years After Downing of Two Cuban Exile Planes

The clash between a Cuban border patrol boat and a US-registered speedboat occurred 30 years after the Cuban Air Force shot down two of three planes flown by Brothers to the Rescue over the Straits of Florida, C. A. Bridges reported for the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

The clash occurred between a Cuban border patrol boat and a US-registered speedboat. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba)

On Feb. 24, 1996, Cuban military aircraft shot down two planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, an organization formed by Cuban exiles.

The group said it sought to assist Cuban migrants attempting to flee the island and had previously conducted leaflet drops over Cuba. Four people were killed: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. The incident drew international condemnation.

Then-President Fidel Castro maintained that the aircraft were in Cuban airspace when they were shot down.

The organization had previously violated Cuban airspace and received warnings from Cuban authorities, while US officials said the planes were operating over international waters.

At the time, the US had maintained trade, arms, and travel embargoes against Cuba for nearly four decades.