US sanctions Cuban military officials, firms tied to weapons procurement

Key facts

• The U.S. has sanctioned five Cuban entities and eight individuals.
• The targets are accused of procuring weapons and military equipment from Russia and China for Cuba.
• The sanctions are part of a broader campaign against Cuba's military-run economy.
• Designations include companies linked to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and GAESA.
• Key individuals sanctioned include the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Chief of the General Staff.

The United States has imposed sanctions on five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of procuring weapons and military equipment for the Cuban regime from Russia and China. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designations, which fall under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in May that expanded sanctions against Cuban government officials, security forces, and their supporters.

The targeted companies and officials are linked to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and GAESA, the military conglomerate that controls approximately 40% of Cuba's economy. The U.S. State Department stated that Cuba serves as a staging ground for adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran to conduct operations against the United States.

Companies designated include Tecnoimport, Duna SA, Unión de Industria Militar, and Empresa Militar Industrial Yuri Gagarin, all involved in importing or producing military equipment. Individuals sanctioned include Alvaro Lopez Miera, the minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Roberto Legra Sotolongo, the Chief of the General Staff, along with Cuba's military attachés to Russia and China.