US imposes sanctions on Cuban military officials and companies

The United States on Thursday announced sanctions on Cuban entities and individuals who help Cuba secure weapons and maintain relationships with foreign militaries.

The sanctions target five entities and eight individuals who “facilitate Havana’s military relationships and the shipments of arms to the Cuban regime,” the US State Department said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Cuban government spied on the US and accused Cuba of serving “as a staging ground for Russia, China and Iran” for operations against it.

“As President [Donald] Trump has said: the United States will not tolerate a rogue state harbouring hostile military, intelligence and terror operations on our doorstep,” Rubio wrote on X.

“Anyone supporting, sponsoring, or providing services to these sanctioned actors is at risk of being sanctioned themselves. Foreign banks and other companies that provide services to, or hold funds for, these entities should terminate those activities immediately.”

Those sanctioned include Minister of the Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Alvaro Lopez Miera, Chief of the General Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo and Cuba’s military attachés to Russia and China.

Relations between the US and Cuba have been strained since the 1959 revolution. Washington imposed a trade embargo on the socialist island more than 60 years ago, which remains in force.

Since returning to office, Trump has increased pressure on Havana with additional sanctions. He has also repeatedly floated the possibility of a US “takeover” of the economically troubled Caribbean nation.