President Trump unveils fresh economic penalties targeting Cuba's ruling regime

US President Donald Trump issued a directive on Friday, implementing fresh sanctions against Cuba, with a focus on a wide range of individuals in the communist-run nation, while also warning foreign banks that collaborate with them of potential consequences.

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The move is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to exert significant pressure on Cuba, which is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis sparked by the US cessation of oil supplies from Venezuela.

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In a newly signed executive order, Trump announced the imposition of sanctions on individuals involved in various sectors of the Cuban economy, which is largely controlled by the government.

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The order specifies that sanctions will be imposed on individuals who have been involved in the energy, defense, metals and mining, financial services, or security sectors of the Cuban economy, as determined by the US government, as well as those engaged in other sectors.

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Additionally, the order states that Cuban officials found to have committed "serious human rights abuses" or corruption will also be targeted under the new sanctions.

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As a result of the sanctions, individuals listed will be prohibited from entering the United States.

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The US will also impose sanctions on foreign financial institutions that conduct transactions with the targeted individuals, according to the order.

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Despite the imposition of these sanctions, the two countries had recently taken steps towards dialogue, including a visit by senior US officials to the island in April for discussions.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American and outspoken critic of the Cuban government, has consistently advocated for significant changes in Cuba.

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Trump has previously suggested the possibility of taking control of the island nation, which is located approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles) from Florida and has been subject to a nearly continuous US trade embargo since Fidel Castro's communist revolution in 1959.