The US regime has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, the latest in a series of measures against the communist-led island. The sanctions, announced Thursday on the US Treasury website, are part of Washington's efforts to escalate pressure on Cuba's leadership.

An energy blockade enforced by the US Navy has allegedly provoked critical blackouts and food shortages. The new sanctions also target the president's wife and stepson, as well as the son and grandson of former President Raul Castro, for whom the US regime issued an arrest warrant last month.

The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Cuban military, and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) have also been targeted. Washington claims that Cuba's communist regime threatens US security.

President Donald Trump has been threatening military action against the island since the alleged abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January. "We'll take care of Iran, and as soon as that's done, on our way back, we'll just make a little brief stopover," Trump said, alluding to Cuba.

Diaz-Canel accused Trump of trying to "strengthen the blockade and scenario of conflict between Cuba and the United States." Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the sanctions "vile" and described them as the latest example of US interventionism.

Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962, but the Trump regime has significantly ramped up pressure. The island has been without diesel for generators since January, resulting in power outages of up to 22 hours a day and water shortages.

Source: www.aljazeera.com