The United States placed five entities and eight individuals accused of supporting the Cuban government’s military procurement activities under sanctions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctioned individuals and entities had played a role in supplying military equipment to Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and security forces.
Rubio accused the Cuban government of being a state sponsor of terrorism. He claimed that Cuba was conducting intelligence and terrorist activities against the United States, arming violent left-wing groups and serving as a base for Russia, China and Iran.
Referring to remarks by US President Donald Trump, the US secretary of state said his country would not tolerate states that host hostile military, intelligence and terrorist activities near its borders.
Rubio said third parties that continued to support the sanctioned entities could also face new US sanctions.
Rubio said individuals and entities that support, finance or provide services to these actors could face sanctions, and called on foreign banks and other companies to end the services they provide to sanctioned entities and stop holding funds belonging to them.
The sanctions are based on Executive Order 14404, issued on May 1, which permits measures against individuals and entities accused of carrying out repression in Cuba and posing a threat to US national security and foreign policy.