US Sanctions Cuban Firms as Havana Decries Fuel Blockade

The US Treasury sanctioned Banco Exterior de Cuba and four mining/energy firms (Nicarotec, Cexni, Abapet, Comercial Cupet), tightening economic pressure. Havana separately claims a six-month oil blockade compounding the decades-old embargo. The move signals sustained US coercive posture despite Cuba's market-opening reforms, with energy-sector targeting likely to deepen shortages.