US Slaps Sanctions on 11 Cuban Nickel and Military Entities

The United States announced sanctions on Thursday against 11 Cuban entities linked to the country's nickel reserves and military enterprises, describing them as part of a system that benefits a narrow elite while worsening conditions for ordinary Cubans.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the designations cover four state-run enterprises connected to nickel reserves, four military enterprises engaged in research and development — including work on weapons systems — and three military officials.

The move adds to a long-running US pressure campaign against Havana. Washington has previously characterised Cuba's government as a national security threat, a charge Cuban officials have consistently rejected.

Cuba's top diplomat, Bruno Rodriguez, has said in the past that US sanctions were "causing deaths" on the island, where the economy is contending with severe shortages.

Havana has long maintained that it poses no threat to the United States, even as bilateral relations remain frozen over sanctions, military ties and human rights disputes.