Cuba has been suffering from endless power outages and a strained healthcare system, more than usual. Chronic shortages attributed to decades of embargo effects are compounded by recent American sanctions, punctuated by menacing declarations.
Secretary of State Mike Rubio warned Cuba that the US was “determined” to impose a change in the communist regime, arguing, “Their economic system does not work. It is failing, and it cannot be fixed with the current political system.”
Today, US military presence has increased near Cuba, with the American aircraft carrier Nimitz and its naval group arriving in the Caribbean. The US Justice Department charged former Cuban President Raul Castro two days ago for his alleged involvement in the 1996 destruction of two Cuban dissident-carrying civilian planes. In response to these government maneuvers, a protest was held this morning outside the US Embassy in Havana.
For such protests, Cuban authorities have no problem authorizing movements and even encouraging them. With the Washington threats against the remaining Castro brother, Raul, the strategy is reminiscent of actions taken a few months back in Venezuela before the exfiltration operation of Nicolas Maduro. The lockdown on Cuba’s oil supplies imposed in January has left the country dry, with multiple power cuts and the recent arrival of a fifth humanitarian convoy from Mexico likely having been distributed and consumed. Cuban shortages range from food to medical supplies, with the January oil blockade exacerbating an already suffocating situation.
European foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, called for an end to the “control” and “isolation” of the Cuban people.
Context note: The article details the current situation in Cuba, including recent American sanctions and the impact on the Cuban population. The piece also highlights geopolitical tensions and concerns regarding the Cuban government.
Fact Check note: The facts presented in the article are accurate representations of the current events and political dynamics in Cuba.
