Cuba hit by new US sanctions as Colombia delivers humanitarian aid

The United States announced fresh sanctions targeting Cuba’s state oil and gas company CUPET and senior officials, including President Miguel Díaz‑Canel, aiming to intensify economic pressure on the island. Cuban authorities responded with sharp criticism, warning of possible internal unrest, coercive dialogue or even military action.

At the same time, Colombia sent a humanitarian vessel from Cartagena carrying nearly 100 tonnes of food, medicine, hospital supplies, solar panels and other essential items. The ship arrived in Havana’s Bay of Havana under a small Cuban auxiliary vessel. The delivery follows earlier shipments from Mexico and Belize and comes as Cuba grapples with a long‑standing U.S. embargo, severe fuel shortages and frequent electricity blackouts. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said UN‑provided aid containers “do not reach the beneficiaries because of the fuel shortage.” The combined sanctions and aid underscore the growing tension and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba.