US sanctions Cuba's defense minister amid crisis warnings

The United States announced new sanctions targeting Cuba's defense minister, Alvaro Lopez Miera, along with seven other individuals and five state-owned enterprises. The U.S. State Department stated the sanctions are aimed at those involved in foreign military cooperation and acquiring military equipment for the Cuban regime. This action escalates pressure on Cuba's government.

The sanctions list includes high-ranking military officials, such as the chief of staff and leaders of foreign relations and economic affairs within the military, as well as military attachés to China and Russia. The targeted enterprises are accused of facilitating arms procurement from countries considered adversaries by the U.S.

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The humanitarian consequences are already developing into a full-scale crisis and threaten the right to health, life, food and development.

This development occurs as UN experts caution that existing U.S. sanctions are pushing Cuba toward a full-scale crisis. These experts highlighted that the humanitarian consequences are already severe, threatening rights to health, life, food, and development, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly.

The U.S. has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since 1962, but the Trump administration has intensified efforts to pressure the communist government, explicitly stating a desire for regime change. Recent actions, including an oil blockade, have significantly worsened the economic situation and living conditions on the island, leading to shortages of fuel, energy, water, and transportation, and frequent power outages.

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The U.S. government must immediately cease all threats and hostile actions against Cuba's sovereignty and withdraw all measures imposed against the country that are contrary to international law.