US hits Cuba with new sanctions as island's crises multiply

On Thursday, the United States imposed new sanctions on Cuba, intensifying efforts to cripple the island's struggling economy and address its mounting crises. Among those targeted are Fidel Ernesto Castro, the grandson of former President Raúl Castro, and Cuba's Oil Industry Supply Import Company, also known as Abapet. Abapet plays a crucial role in importing vital equipment and spare parts required to maintain Cuba's ailing power grid.

According to Brett Erickson, a sanctions expert and managing principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, the U.S. aims to "tighten the screws" on Cuba by severely affecting its essential machinery and worsening the energy crisis. Erickson, a firm believer that the Trump administration harbors no intention of accepting any change from Cuba except the regime's collapse, stated, "Marco Rubio is not going to let that go."

Despite the sanctions, Erickson predicted that Cuba's government would find ways to circumvent them, as they are compelled to do so. "They'll get creative in how they try to navigate the restrictions," he remarked.