politics
May 8, 2026
United States hits Cuba's military economic power with new sanctions
Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against economic structures linked to Cuba's military apparatus, including the GAESA conglomerate and companies linked to the mining sector, in an escalation of Washington's pressure on Havana.
TL;DR
- The U.S. has announced new sanctions against economic structures connected to the Cuban military.
- The sanctions target GAESA, a powerful military-controlled conglomerate, and Moa Nickel S.A., a state-owned mining company.
- These measures aim to cut off financing for the Cuban regime and its elites.
- The sanctions are part of an executive order signed on May 1, 2026, targeting those involved in repression.
- GAESA is estimated to control a substantial part of Cuba's economy, with assets around $18 billion.
- The U.S. views these sanctions as a way to hold the Cuban regime accountable for abuses and resource denial.
- This action escalates tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with both sides accusing each other of threatening actions.
- The sanctions send a political message about Washington's pressure on authoritarian regimes in Latin America.