WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The United States (US) has imposed sanctions on 10 Cuban entities as part of what it described as a broader effort to counter the Cuban Government’s activities in Cuba and throughout the region.

In a statement, the US Department of State said the measures target organisations that generate revenue for the Cuban Government, support its security apparatus and participate in the surveillance and repression of Cuban citizens.

The sanctions were announced under Executive Order 14404, which authorises penalties against individuals and entities linked to repression in Cuba and activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.

“These actions target interlocking pillars of that apparatus: state-owned entities that funnel revenue to the regime and paramilitary forces, armed civilian groups and surveillance organisations that repress the Cuban people,” the State Department said.

The move follows a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio marking the fifth anniversary of the July 2021 anti-government protests in Cuba.

“The United States will continue to use every tool at our disposal to both address the national security threats posed by the Cuban Communist regime, and to drive the economic and political reforms to give Cuba a better future,” Rubio said.

Among the entities sanctioned is the Milicias de Tropas Territoriales (MTT), a civilian paramilitary force that operates under Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). The Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution (ACRC) was also designated. US officials describe the organisation as a social and paramilitary group that assists with surveillance of government critics.

The State Department also sanctioned Corporacion Antillana Exportadora (ANTEX SA), which it said is linked to the military-controlled Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA). US authorities allege the company manages the export of Cuban labour to Angola.

The Rapid Response Brigades, armed civilian groups organised and trained by the Cuban Government, were also added to the sanctions list.

Several state-owned companies were designated for their role in generating revenue for the Cuban Government. These include Enetec SA and Coreydan SA, both involved in the import and export of fuel and energy-related products.

Other sanctioned entities are Grupo Empresarial de Comercio Exterior (GECOMEX), which manages a significant portion of Cuba’s foreign trade; Organizacion Superior de Direccion Empresarial Caudal SA (CAUDAL), which operates in insurance, reinsurance and financial services; and Grupo Empresarial de Transporte Maritimo Portuario (GEMAR), a major player in Cuba’s maritime sector.

The US also designated the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (MINTUR), describing it as one of the most influential entities in the country’s tourism industry outside of GAESA.

According to the State Department, the sanctions support the objectives of Executive Order 14380, “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba”, and National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, which seek to promote human rights, democratic governance, free enterprise and the rule of law in Cuba.

As a result of the measures, all property and interests in property of the designated entities that are subject to US jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The sanctions also apply to any entity that is owned, directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more, by one or more of the designated organisations.