US sanctions nine Cuban officials and intelligence agency
The U.S. Treasury designated nine Cuban leaders and the intelligence directorate. The move seeks to pressure the government and curb regional oil flows.
The United States sanctioned nine Cuba officials and its intelligence directorate on May 18 to escalate economic pressure on the island. The move targets senior political and military leaders to disrupt the communist government's operations and fuel supply chains. This expansion of secondary sanctions threatens foreign banks, heightening the risk for international firms still operating in the Cuban market.
### Targeting the Cuban Power Structure The U.S. Treasury Department designated high-ranking figures including Communications Minister Mayra Arevich Marin and National Assembly President Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez. Military leaders Joaquin Quintas Sola and Raul Villar Kessel also face restrictions alongside the Directorate of Intelligence. These actions aim to isolate the administration that U.S. officials describe as corrupt and incompetent.
