WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The United States (US) has announced a new round of sanctions targeting key Cuban state-owned companies and a member of the extended Castro family, as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Havana.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures target five entities that Washington claims generate revenue for the Cuban Government, including three linked to the military-controlled business conglomerate Grupo de Administración Empresarial SA (GAESA).

“GAESA continues to operate as the financial muscle behind the Cuban regime’s repressive security apparatus,” Rubio said in announcing the sanctions.

According to the US State Department, two of the newly sanctioned entities are financial institutions accused of handling funds on behalf of the Cuban Government, while another is a logistics company involved in managing the movement of goods across the island.

The sanctions also target two companies operating in Cuba’s mining and metals sector, including the state-owned GeoMinera, which the United States says helps generate revenue through the development and management of the country’s mineral resources.

In addition, the administration sanctioned Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, the wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, who was previously sanctioned earlier this month.

The actions were taken under Executive Order 14404, signed by Trump, which authorises sanctions against individuals and entities accused of supporting Cuba’s security apparatus or contributing to activities deemed harmful to US national security.

The State Department said the measures are part of a broader effort to restrict the Cuban Government’s access to revenue and resources while promoting democracy, human rights and economic reforms on the island.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked. US citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with sanctioned persons or organisations unless specifically authorised by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The State Department also warned that foreign companies and financial institutions doing business with sanctioned entities could themselves face sanctions exposure.

The latest measures form part of a broader Trump administration strategy aimed at increasing economic pressure on Cuba through restrictions targeting sectors including finance, mining, energy, defence, and state-owned enterprises.