Cuban authorities have accused 10 men on a speedboat from the United States of attempting to carry out a campaign of violence to destabilize the island's government.

Four of the 10 men on the boat were killed in a shootout with Cuban border agents this week.

Cuban authorities confirmed that the six remaining crew members are receiving medical treatment for injuries. At least one Cuban officer was also injured in the gunfire.

CBS News reported that at least one US citizen was among the dead, citing White House officials.

Cuban officials defended the government's response and alleged the speedboat passengers shot first at border agents.

"Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that seeks to affect its sovereignty and national stability," Cuban President Manuel Diaz-Canel said in a social media post.

The incident comes during a period of heightened tensions between Cuba and the US, which has made repeated threats against the island's communist government.

The Trump administration has ratcheted up measures aimed at worsening economic conditions in Cuba, including imposing a fuel blockade in late January.

Only one of the four men killed has been identified by Cuban authorities so far: Michel Ortega Casanova.

One of Casanova's associates told AFP that he sought to overthrow the government in Havana.

US officials said they will investigate the incident and denied any government involvement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US embassy in Havana is seeking more details, including whether US citizens are among those detained.

Cuban authorities identified some of this week's speedboat passengers as Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, and Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara. Others remain unidentified.

Members of the Cuban American community have expressed skepticism about the Cuban government's claims.

Source: www.aljazeera.com