Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that the U.S. Department of State has designated 11 Cuban government officials and three security agencies for sanctions, targeting Cuba’s communist regime. The sanctions include Cuba’s Directorate of Intelligence (DGI), Revolutionary National Police (PNP), and Ministry of Interior (MININT). Specific individuals named are Eugenio Armando Rabilero Aguilera, Raul Cuba Villar Kessel, Joaquin Quintas Sola; Jose Miguel Gomez Del Vallin, chief of staff of military counterintelligence; Vicente de la O Levy, minister of energy and mines; Rosabel Gamon Verde, minister of justice; Mayra Arevich Marin, minister of communications; Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of Cuba’s National Assembly; and Dr. Roberto Tomas Morales Ojeda, secretary of the party’s Organization of the Central Committee.
The sanctions block any assets that these individuals or entities may have or that come into contact with the U.S. financial system. Many of those designated had previously been subject to U.S. sanctions.
“These sanctions advance the Trump administration’s comprehensive campaign to address the pressing national security threats posed by Cuba’s communist regime and to hold accountable both the regime and those who provide it material support,” Rubio stated in a release. A State Department spokesperson indicated additional designations are expected, adding: “The United States will continue to take action to counter the Cuban regime, those furthering its goals, and those abroad enabling the elites to profit while the Cuban people suffer.”