US imposes new sanctions on Cuban officials and firms

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on three Cuban officials and nine state-owned companies, escalating pressure on Havana amid worsening diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The sanctions, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, target senior officials of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and entities operating in key sectors including mining, metals and construction.

Meanwhile, Washington also says the measures are aimed at curbing activities that support Cuba’s government and limiting its economic reach.

Rubio accused ICAP of sponsoring what he described as “a vast subversive network” in the United States through cultural and educational exchange programmes.

He also alleged that Cuba recently used activities marking the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s birth to strengthen ties with foreign sympathisers.

“Today’s designations make clear that the Trump Administration will not tolerate the Cuban regime’s efforts to fund its repression,” Rubio said while announcing the sanctions.

Among the organisations affected is Cuba’s Ministry of Construction, along with several state-run enterprises involved in mining and industrial production. U.S.

Cuba strongly condemned the move, accusing Washington of deliberately seeking to damage the island’s economy at a time when it is already facing severe economic hardship.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said the sanctions would obstruct imports of food, medicines and medical equipment and make it harder for the government to provide basic services to citizens. He also described the latest measures as part of Rubio’s “failed obsession” with Cuba.

The new restrictions follow a series of sanctions imposed by the United States in recent months against Cuban political leaders, military officials and state-linked enterprises.

The Trump administration has argued that the measures are necessary to counter what it describes as anti-American activities and government repression on the island.

Source: BBC