US-Cuba Relations

US lawmakers: Cuba is a “silent Gaza”

Four US Democratic congressmen traveled to Cuba over the weekend. They compared the consequences of the US oil blockade to a “silent Gaza,” reports the AP.

“It may not be bombings, but it is definitely conditions that prevent people from living their normal lives,” said Mark Pocan, a congressman from Wisconsin.

Cuba is currently experiencing its third nationwide power outage in less than two weeks.

Donald Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio have previously indicated that they hope the blockade will lead to the collapse of the Cuban regime. Cuba has condemned the strategy as collective punishment.

“It is not logical to force an entire country to suffer,” said New Mexico congressman Teresa Leger-Fernández.

Third massive power outage in Cuba in 10 days

Cuba is experiencing its third nationwide power outage in less than 10 days, AFP reports.

The island nation's power grid went down shortly after 11 a.m. local time, according to state-run utility UNE. Cuba is currently facing its worst energy crisis in decades, partly due to the US oil embargo.

Both of last week's major power outages took over 24 hours to resolve.