Key facts
- The US sanctioned 11 Cuban entities on Thursday.
- Sanctioned entities include four state-run enterprises related to nickel reserves.
- Four military enterprises involved in research and development, including for weapons systems, were also sanctioned.
- Three military officials were sanctioned.
- The US stated the sanctions target a system enriching the elite and harming ordinary Cubans.
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on 11 Cuban entities, including those involved with nickel reserves and military enterprises. According to the US, these entities were part of a system that enriched the elite and harmed ordinary Cubans. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sanctions target four state-run enterprises linked to nickel reserves, four military enterprises focused on research and development (including for weapons systems), and three military officials. Cuba's top diplomat, Bruno Rodriguez, has previously asserted that US sanctions are 'causing deaths' on the island as its economy struggles with severe shortages. The US has characterized Cuba's government as a national security threat, a designation Cuba disputes.