WASHINGTON -- Three Cubans were wounded Wednesday by a mine after they were denied entrance to the Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and ordered by U.S. Marines to return to Cuban territory, the Pentagon said yesterday.

The wounded Cubans ultimately were rescued by Marines, according to the Pentagon.

Dennis Boxx, a Defense Department spokesman, said the three Cubans -- along with 20 others -- had crossed a Cuban fence and safely negotiated a Cuban minefield when they were turned back at the U.S. perimeter by Marine guards.

Two of the wounded were treated at the base; the third was airlifted to Miami for eye surgery. All 23 Cubans ultimately were admitted to the base.