US imposes new sanctions on Cuban military entities, officials

The United States has imposed sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of helping Cuba acquire weapons and maintain military ties with foreign countries, including Russia and China.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures on August 6 under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May that expanded sanctions against Cuban government officials, security forces, and their supporters, Reuters reports.

According to the U.S. State Department, the sanctions target subsidiaries of Cuba's military conglomerate GAESA, including a military holding company and a military aircraft repair business. Those sanctioned include Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Álvaro López Miera, Chief of the General Staff Roberto Legra Sotolongo, and Cuba's military attachés to Russia and China.

Rubio said the Cuban government uses its military and intelligence services to conduct espionage against the United States and accused Havana of serving as a platform for Russian, Chinese, and Iranian operations targeting U.S. interests. The latest measures build on earlier U.S. sanctions imposed this year against GAESA and the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR).

Cuban authorities did not immediately comment on the new sanctions.

The latest action is part of Washington's broader effort to increase pressure on Cuba's communist leadership. The United States has already sanctioned a number of Cuban officials and entities, including the country's president.

Earlier this year, Washington also declared a national emergency that introduced tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. The measure has contributed to fuel shortages and frequent power outages on the island, according to previous reports.

By Sabina Mammadli