U.S. Sanctions Target Cuban Companies and Castro Grandson

The United States government imposed new sanctions on Thursday targeting five Cuban companies and Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, the 31-year-old grandson of former President Raúl Castro. The Office of Foreign Assets Control blacklisted Comercial Cupet SA, Banco Exterior de Cuba, ABAPET, CEXNI, and NICAROTEC, focusing on the banking, mining, and fuel sectors.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the measures aim to dismantle the regime's illicit financial networks and power structures to achieve a free Cuba. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to dislodge the Havana government through economic pressure and a de facto fuel blockade.

The targeting of ABAPET is particularly significant given its role in maintaining aging power plants. This pressure has contributed to four national blackouts within a single month, as Cuba produces only two-fifths of its daily oil demand and faces restricted imports from Venezuela.