An assailant allegedly launched two Molotov cocktails at the Cuban embassy in Washington on Sunday night, an act which both the U.S. and Cuba have severely criticized. No casualties resulted from the assault.
Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, labeled the incident as a “terrorist attack,” reminding that it is the second assault on Cuba’s diplomatic premises, referencing a 2020 episode where an individual fired shots at the embassy. That prior occurrence also did not lead to any injuries.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the President of Cuba, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the severity of this “terrorist act.” In a social media post, he remarked, “Such violent acts could have had severe consequences. We expect a response from the U.S. authorities.”
State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, on Monday stated that the U.S. government is collaborating with the Cuban embassy, emphasizing its dedication to ensuring the security of diplomatic staff and buildings. “Any forms of attacks or threats towards diplomatic sites are unacceptable,” Miller asserted. He refrained from speculating on the motivations behind the attack, citing the ongoing investigation.
CBS News reported, based on a law enforcement source, that two rudimentary incendiary devices resembling Molotov cocktails were discovered, and it is believed they did not detonate. The investigation is currently led by the U.S. Secret Service.
Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera shared that U.S. authorities were promptly informed and permitted to inspect the devices.
Interestingly, this attack occurred shortly after President Díaz-Canel’s return to Cuba post his visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his visit, demonstrations were held by Cubans in New York against his U.N. participation.
In response to Sunday’s incident, Cuba’s Foreign Minister expressed, “Anti-Cuban factions, feeling emboldened, resort to acts of terror, a concern that Cuba has constantly raised with U.S. officials.”
Recalling the 2020 incident, bullet holes and damages were visible on the embassy premises. Subsequently, U.S. officials detained Alexander Alazo, charging him with the assault.
After former U.S. President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with Havana, the Cuban embassy in the U.S. resumed its full-fledged operations.