British News Agency

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a written statement that the sanctions were imposed under a presidential order by US President Donald Trump providing for sanctions against individuals responsible for repression in Cuba and those who pose a threat to US national security and foreign policy.

Under the new sanctions, four state-owned enterprises that generate revenue from Cuba's nickel reserves, four military enterprises conducting research and development activities related to weapons systems, maritime capabilities and combat simulations, and three military officials heading these organizations were targeted.

Rubio said: “The Trump administration will not stand by while elites in Cuba enrich themselves through resource extraction and accumulate resources for the repressive security apparatus while the Cuban people face resource shortages.”

Rubio said Cuba's future should be governed by its people, not by a military class, adding that Trump remains determined on the issue.