US expands sanctions against Cuban government-linked entities

The United States has expanded its sanctions against Cuba, targeting 10 entities accused of generating revenue for the Cuban government, supporting its security forces, and engaging in the surveillance and repression of its citizens. The U.S. Department of State announced the measures as part of a broader strategy to counter Havana's activities within Cuba and across the region.

These sanctions are implemented under Executive Order 14404, which empowers the U.S. to penalize individuals and entities linked to repression in Cuba or activities deemed contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The State Department stated that the targeted organizations represent "interlocking pillars of that apparatus," including state-owned entities that funnel revenue to the regime and paramilitary forces, as well as armed civilian groups and surveillance organizations.

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These actions target interlocking pillars of that apparatus: state-owned entities that funnel revenue to the regime and paramilitary forces, armed civilian groups and surveillance organisations that repress the Cuban people.

The move follows a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking the fifth anniversary of the July 2021 anti-government protests in Cuba. Rubio affirmed the U.S.'s commitment to using "every tool at our disposal" to address threats posed by the Cuban regime and to encourage reforms for a better future for Cuba. Among the sanctioned entities are the Milicias de Tropas Territoriales (MTT), a civilian paramilitary force, and the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution (ACRC), described as a group that aids in surveillance of government critics. Several state-owned companies involved in revenue generation, fuel trade, foreign trade management, financial services, and maritime transport were also designated, along with the Ministry of Tourism.

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The United States will continue to use every tool at our disposal to both address the national security threats posed by the Cuban Communist regime, and to drive the economic and political reforms to give Cuba a better future.