US increases diplomatic pressure on Cuba amid sanctions against President Diaz-Canel

US Imposes Sanctions on Cuban President and Key Figures

The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, as part of a series of measures aimed at increasing pressure on the communist-led island’s leadership. The sanctions were announced on Thursday by the US Treasury Department.

Cuba continues to face food shortages and blackouts due to an energy blockade enforced by the US Navy. The new sanctions target key figures, including Diaz-Canel’s wife and stepson, as well as the son and grandson of former president Raul Castro. Additionally, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Cuban military, and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) have also been targeted.

The US claims that Cuba’s communist regime poses a threat to its security. President Donald Trump has threatened to take military action against Cuba since January, as part of his efforts to push left-wing governments out of the Americas.

Cuba’s government has responded to the sanctions, with Diaz-Canel accusing Trump of trying to “strengthen the blockade and scenario of conflict between Cuba and the United States”. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez described the sanctions as “vile” and an example of US interventionism.

The sanctions follow a significant increase in pressure on Cuba since 1962, when the US imposed a trade embargo. The island has been without diesel for generators since January, resulting in power outages of up to 22 hours a day and water shortages. Cuba is also facing food and medicine shortages, with aid shipments from Mexico and China becoming increasingly important.

Trump denied that the new sanctions were aimed at speeding up Cuba’s collapse, stating that he wants the island to be “a nicely run country”. However, he acknowledged that the situation in Cuba is dire, saying that it has “no energy, no oil, no money, and nothing”.

Source: Al Jazeera