US-Cuba Relations

New US sanctions against Cuba – tensions are rising

The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions against Cuba, AFP reports. This applies to the national intelligence service DI and nine people, including the ministers of justice, communications and energy.

On Monday, a ship with emergency aid from Mexico and Uruguay also arrived in the capital of the crisis-stricken island nation with hygiene products, 1,700 tons of grain, milk powder and other food, AP reports.

Tensions between the US and Cuba continue to rise. On Monday, the Cuban president warned of a “bloodbath” if the US attacks. This follows reports that Cuba has purchased Russian and Iranian drones.

The US has increased the pressure and, among other things, warned of an indictment of 96-year-old ex-president Raúl Castro. Cuban authorities have begun preparing for possible US attacks – property owners have been urged to develop emergency plans, according to CNN. 

After Drone Report: Cuba Warns US of “Bloodbath”

A US military attack on Cuba will lead to a “bloodbath” with enormous consequences for peace and stability in the region, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel writes on X.

“Cuba poses no threat and has no aggressive plans or intentions towards any other country,” he continues.

The president adds that the country has every right to defend itself against military attacks.

The statement comes a day after Axios, which has access to classified intelligence, reported that Cuba has purchased around 300 Russian and Iranian attack drones.