The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Cuban companies and government officials, further increasing pressure on the island’s communist government.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the latest measures target nine state-owned companies involved in mining, metals and construction, as well as Cuba’s Ministry of Construction and officials linked to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, known as ICAP.
Rubio accused the targeted individuals and organisations of supporting what he described as anti-American activities and helping the Cuban government maintain its political influence abroad.
The ICAP, which was founded by former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960, has traditionally organised international visits and promoted relationships between Cuba and organisations sympathetic to its government.
Rubio also criticised the organisation’s leadership, accusing it of supporting the Cuban government and attempting to influence American citizens.
Among those sanctioned is ICAP president Fernando González Llort, who was previously a member of the group known as the Cuban Five. The group was made up of Cuban intelligence agents imprisoned in the United States and later released as part of a prisoner exchange during the Obama administration’s attempt to improve relations with Havana.
The Cuban government strongly rejected the new sanctions.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused the US of deliberately worsening the country’s economic problems. He said the measures would make it more difficult for the Cuban government to provide basic services to its population.
The latest sanctions add to a broader US campaign against Cuba under President Donald Trump.
Several senior Cuban officials and organisations in the energy, financial and defence sectors are already under American sanctions. US restrictions have also contributed to difficulties accessing fuel and other essential imports.
Cuba is currently facing severe shortages of fuel, food and medicines, while its ageing electricity system has resulted in frequent nationwide power cuts.
The economic difficulties have also affected hospitals, some of which have been forced to rely on emergency generators.
The Cuban tourism industry has also suffered as the Trump administration has introduced measures targeting the sector, reducing an important source of income for the government.
The latest sanctions are expected to further strain relations between Washington and Havana as the US continues its pressure campaign against the Cuban leadership.
