In brief
The United States expanded its sanctions against Cuba, naming nine state‑owned mining, metal, and construction firms, the Ministry of Construction, and officials linked to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed the measures on a perceived effort by the Cuban government to export Marxist ideology and to fund repression. Cuban officials condemned the sanctions as an assault on the Cuban economy, warning of worsening shortages amid a longstanding oil blockade. The restrictions come as power cuts surge and tourism collapses, adding pressure on the beleaguered island government.
The United States announced a fresh crackdown on Cuban entities linked to the regime, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring the move a response to alleged subversive activity tied to Havana’s leadership.
The new tranche targets nine state‑owned mining, metal, and building companies, the Ministry of Construction, and officials connected to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, a body founded by Fidel Castro to foster international solidarity.
Rubio said the sanctions were directed at a “bracket of actors who export Marxist ideology and coordinate anti‑American violence,” and that the U.S. would not tolerate the Cuban government’s effort to fund internal repression.
The Cuban government has denounced the new restrictions as a political attack and warned they will exacerbate the island’s already fragile economy, which is suffering due to a long‑running oil blockade and chronic fuel shortages.
Power cuts have intensified this year, prompting rare public protests in a nation where dissent is usually met with harsh penalties. Hospitals have been forced to rely on emergency generators as the aging electricity network struggles to meet demand.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez de la Cruz described the sanctions as a punitive measure that harms the Cuban economy, and warned that the measures could undermine basic services for the populace.
