US imposes new sanctions on Cuban officials and firms

The United States has recently imposed additional sanctions on Cuban officials and companies, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The new sanctions target nine state-owned mining, metal, and construction firms, the Ministry of Construction, and individuals associated with a Cuban-based international institute. Rubio claims that these individuals facilitated the entry of international sympathizers to Havana to network with regime officials during the late Fidel Castro's 100th birthday celebration.

Cuba has vehemently denounced all sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. The targeted individuals and entities are purported to play a central role in the regime's mission to spread Marxism, racial resentment, and Communist violence globally. The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), established in 1960 by Castro, has been singled out for its role in fostering relations with like-minded organizations worldwide by hosting activist groups.

Rubio asserts that the ICAP misleads and corrupts American citizens through false narratives, espionage, and malfeasance. Among the sanctioned individuals is Fernando Gonzalez Llort, president of the ICAP, a former member of the Cuban 5, a spy ring involved in a prisoner exchange during the Obama administration. The Cuban government's energy, financial, and defense sectors are already under US sanctions.

The Cuban tourism sector, a significant revenue source for the struggling government, has also suffered a decline. Additionally, Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, criticized Rubio's announcement, stating it would hinder the provision of essential services due to the ongoing blockade. The US has maintained an oil blockade on Cuba since the start of the year, leaving hospitals to rely on emergency generators due to the country's aging electricity infrastructure heavily dependent on fuel imports.

Frequent power outages have led to rare protests in Cuba, where dissent is typically met with severe consequences, including long prison sentences.