US sanctions Cuban president, family and Castro relatives

The United States imposed new economic sanctions on Thursday targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, members of his family, and relatives of former leader Raúl Castro. The action by the U.S. Treasury Department represents a significant escalation of pressure on the Cuban government.

The sanctions list includes President Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza, and his stepson Manuel Anido Cuesta. Also designated were Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raúl Castro, and Castro Espín’s son, Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis. Several Cuban entities were sanctioned as well, most prominently the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). Other organizations targeted include the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People, and its affiliated travel agency, Amistur Cuba SA. A Cuban-Australian gold mining joint venture, Minera La Victoria S.A., was also listed.

These measures freeze any U.S. assets of the designated individuals and entities and prohibit American citizens and companies from conducting transactions with them. The sanctions stem from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, which also...