The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, Union Cuba-Petroleo, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as a tool of the island's "repressive security apparatus."

"While the Cuban people have suffered fuel shortages and blackouts because of decades of under-investment in critical infrastructure, Cuba's Communist leaders have diverted energy resources to line their own pockets," Rubio said, also denouncing the Castro family for profiting from the country's oil.

The sanctions are the latest move in President Donald Trump's campaign to pressure Cuba's communist government. Since January, Trump has cut off energy exports from Venezuela and threatened tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba, effectively imposing an oil blockade.

Cuba relies heavily on oil imports to power its aging electricity grid. According to the International Energy Agency, Cuba produces only 40% of the oil it consumes. Since late January, only one Russian tanker has reached the island.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that the fuel restrictions are directly harming Cubans, especially the most vulnerable. "Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medicines. This is unacceptable," he said.

The Trump administration blames the Cuban government for the blackouts and has hinted at possible military action to force regime change. In March, Trump compared his intentions for Cuba to the military offensive in Venezuela.

Critics point to the buildup of US military assets in the Caribbean Sea, including the arrival of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in May, as a sign of preparation for aggressive action. Two high-level military leaders have also visited the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Source: www.aljazeera.com