The U.S. government on Thursday slapped new sanctions on Cuba in a fresh push to strangle the island's economy and deepen its multiple crises. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Among those hit with sanctions are Fidel Ernesto Castro, grandson of former President Raúl Castro, and Cuba's Oil Industry Supply Import Company, known as Abapet. The company is responsible for importing special equipment and spare parts needed to sustain Cuba's crumbling power grid.
According to the Associated Press, these sanctions come amid economic hardships and an energy crisis in Cuba. Photos show people resting on sofas in Havana streets, residents affected by power outages, and children dragging toys made from cardboard boxes.
Cuba's Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga and Director of the International Press Center Abel Ernesto Derivet Vidal walked past an image of the late Fidel Castro as they arrived for a press conference in Havana on Thursday. These new sanctions are seen as another step to increase pressure on the Cuban government.
The actions by the U.S. administration are expected to place an additional burden on the Cuban people, who are facing food shortages, frequent blackouts, and other economic difficulties. According to the Associated Press, Fidel Ernesto Castro, included in the sanctions list, is the grandson of former President Raúl Castro, and Abapet is involved in supplying equipment needed to restore the country's energy infrastructure.
Cuban authorities have previously blamed U.S. sanctions as a major factor hindering the country's economic development. The new restrictions could further worsen the humanitarian situation on the island, as power outages affect daily life, hampering the operation of hospitals and schools.
In photos taken by Associated Press photographer Ramon Espinosa, a man is seen resting on a sofa on a street in Havana, a person carrying a pig at a market entrance, and a man sleeping in a doorway. These scenes reflect the hardships of daily life in Cuba.
Experts say the new sanctions are aimed at increasing economic pressure on the Cuban government but are unlikely to lead to political changes on the island. Cuban authorities have vowed to maintain the country's independence despite the sanctions.
Relations between the United States and Cuba have remained strained in recent years, and the new sanctions could further escalate tensions. As reported by the Associated Press, these restrictions could cause significant damage to the Cuban economy, as the country depends on oil imports and needs foreign investment to modernize its energy infrastructure.
Currently, power outages in Cuba have become more frequent, causing public discontent. The new sanctions could worsen the situation, as restrictions on Abapet will hamper the supply of equipment needed to restore the power system.
The Associated Press continues to cover this story, and the situation in Cuba is drawing international attention. The U.S. administration says the sanctions will promote democratic change in Cuba, but critics argue that these measures only harm ordinary people.