The US announced new sanctions targeting Cuba’s ruling elite, a state bank and four entities linked to the country’s energy, metals and mining sectors.
The US State Department said the measures are part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to curb what Washington describes as the Cuban regime’s repression and activities that threaten US national security and stability in the Western Hemisphere.
Among the individuals sanctioned is Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the nephew of former Cuban President Raul Castro.
The State Department said Castro Calis was targeted under an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in May.
Washington also imposed sanctions on Banco Exterior de Cuba, citing its role in Cuba’s financial services sector.
Four other entities were targeted for their involvement in Cuba’s natural resources and energy industries, including nickel and cobalt operations and oil-related trading and procurement activities.
Under the sanctions, assets belonging to certain individuals and entities within US jurisdiction will be frozen.
U.S. persons are also prohibited from conducting transactions involving sanctioned parties unless authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.