The U.S. has sanctioned five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of facilitating arms shipments and military relationships with foreign powers. The State Department said the measures target actors who support Havana's military ties, and named senior Cuban officers among those listed. Senator Marco Rubio accused Cuba of spying and of serving as a staging ground for Russia, China and Iran, while U.S. officials warned banks and companies that continue supporting the sanctioned actors could face penalties.
US Announces Sanctions on Five Cuban Entities and Eight Military Officials
FILE PHOTO - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the last working session at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France. (is associated with: «US imposes sanctions on Cuban military officials and companies») Michael Kappeler/dpa
The United States on Thursday announced new sanctions targeting five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of helping Havana acquire weapons and sustain military ties with foreign powers.
What the Sanctions Target
The State Department said the measures are aimed at people and organizations that "facilitate Havana's military relationships and the shipments of arms to the Cuban regime." The action names senior Cuban military figures, including Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Álvaro López Miera and Chief of the General Staff Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, as well as Cuba's military attachés posted to Russia and China.
Statements and Warnings
Senator Marco Rubio posted on X that the Cuban government has spied on the United States and accused the island of acting "as a staging ground for Russia, China and Iran" to carry out operations against the US. Quoting remarks attributed to former President Donald Trump, Rubio wrote that "the United States will not tolerate a rogue state harbouring hostile military, intelligence and terror operations on our doorstep."
U.S. Warning: "Anyone supporting, sponsoring, or providing services to these sanctioned actors is at risk of being sanctioned themselves," the State Department said. Financial institutions and companies that provide services to, or hold funds for, these entities were urged to terminate those relationships immediately.
Context
Relations between Washington and Havana have been tense since the 1959 Cuban revolution. The U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, first imposed more than six decades ago, remains in effect. The announcement follows earlier rounds of U.S. sanctions and public pressure directed at the Cuban government.
What to watch next: The United States may expand sanctions if it identifies additional networks or foreign partners involved in the transfer of military equipment to Cuba. Affected banks and international companies will be closely watched for compliance.
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