The US government has imposed new sanctions on Cuban state companies, including the international banking arm of the Cuban military and a state-run company partnered with the Trafigura Group and other miners. This move marks the latest escalation of pressure against Havana's communist leadership.
Analysts predict that the sanctions will deter foreign investment and spook investors. These measures are expected to exacerbate the island nation's severe economic challenges and deepen an already severe economic crisis.
These developments come as successive waves of US sanctions continue to pile misery on Cuba's 9.6 million inhabitants.