Cuba Condemns Terrorism: Bold Denouncement of Attack Targeting U.S. Embassy

The U.S. strongly condemns the recent attack on Cuba’s embassy in Washington. According to reports, a man threw two Molotov cocktails at the mission, causing no injuries. Cuba has labeled this incident as a “terrorist attack.” This is not the first time such an attack has occurred, as there was a similar incident in April 2020 where a man opened fire on the building. Thankfully, no one was hurt in that incident either.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, took to social media to express his concern about the attack, calling it a “violent attack against #Cuba’s diplomatic mission.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez also denounced the incident as a “terrorist attack” and emphasized the potential danger it posed to lives. Both officials are hopeful that the North American authorities will take action in response to the attack.

In response to the incident, the State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, stated that the U.S. is in contact with the Cuban embassy and is committed to the safety and security of diplomatic facilities and personnel. Miller firmly stated that attacks and threats against such facilities are entirely unacceptable. When asked about the possibility of terrorism, Miller refrained from speculating on the motives until the investigation is complete. Furthermore, he confirmed that the State Department is collaborating with the Washington police in the ongoing investigation.

A reliable source from law enforcement informed CBS News that two Molotov cocktails were found at the scene of the attack. Fortunately, these devices were not highly complex and did not detonate. The investigation is currently being led by the U.S. Secret Service. The Cuban Ambassador, Lianys Torres Rivera, disclosed that they have cooperated with U.S. authorities by granting them access to the mission to collect samples of the Molotov cocktails.

Interestingly, the attack occurred shortly after President Díaz-Canel’s return to Havana from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Notably, during the Assembly, there were demonstrations by Cubans opposed to Díaz-Canel’s presence. Numerous posts and videos on social media documented these protests.

Following the attack, the Cuban foreign minister warned that anti-Cuban groups often resort to terrorism when they believe they can act with impunity. He recalled the April 2020 shooting incident where the Cuban embassy in Washington was targeted and expressed his strong opposition to such “terrorist aggression.” In that incident, the building sustained damage, including bullet holes and broken glass. Alexander Alazo was arrested and charged by U.S. authorities for the attack. It’s worth mentioning that the Cuban embassy regained its status as a full mission after the reestablishment of official diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba under former President Barack Obama.