US Escalates Cuba Sanctions, Targets Officials and State Enterprises
Xinhua · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Trump administration on Thursday escalated pressure on Cuba by announcing new economic sanctions against nine state-owned companies in mining, metals and construction sectors, along with penalties targeting the leadership of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the organization of sponsoring a subversive network in the United States. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denounced the measures as deliberate efforts to strangle the island's economy. The sanctions follow an oil blockade imposed after U.S. military actions against Venezuela, which has plunged the already economically crippled island into crisis.
Key Points
- New penalties target nine state-owned Cuban enterprises in mining, metals and construction sectors
- Sanctions also hit ICAP leadership including President Fernando Gonzalez Llort and First Vice President Noemi Ramona Rabaza Fernandez
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio described ICAP as sponsoring a subversive network aimed at radicalizing Americans
- Trump previously warned "Cuba is next" following military actions against Venezuela and Iran
- An oil blockade after the Venezuelan military raid has pushed Cuba into full-blown economic crisis
Why It Matters
The expanded sanctions mark a significant escalation in Washington's policy against Havana, combining economic strangulation with threats of military intervention. The measures target both official entities and civil society organizations, potentially deepening Cuba's humanitarian crisis while intensifying regional tensions in Latin America .
The expanded sanctions mark a significant escalation in Washington's policy against Havana, combining economic strangulation with threats of military intervention. The measures target both official entities and civil society organizations, potentially deepening Cuba's humanitarian crisis while intensifying regional tensions in Latin America .