The United States expanded
sanctions on Thursday against high-ranking officials of the Cuban regime, their family members, and various entities linked to the political, military, and social control apparatus of the island, according to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Department of the Treasury.The new measures were adopted under Executive Order 14404 related to Cuba and include the addition
of five individuals and five entities to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), which imposes the blocking of assets and interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction and restrictions on transactions with U.S. citizens or companies.Among those sanctioned is Cuban dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, his wife Lis Cuesta
Peraza, as well as the dictator's stepson, Manuel Anido Cuesta, a resident of Madrid.OFAC also sanctioned Alejandro Castro Espín, son of Raúl Castro and one of the historically
significant figures associated with the Cuban state intelligence and security apparatus. Alongside him was included Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, Raúl's grandson.Meanwhile, the Department of the Treasury added several state entities and organizations affiliated
with the Cuban regime to the list.These include the Ministry of Armed Revolutionary Forces of Cuba (MINFAR), founded on October 16,
1959, and considered a key government entity within the military structure of the country; and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). target="_blank">Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), known for coordinating international relations and political solidarity activities with foreign organizations.This organization has been documented by ADN Cuba for its links to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations
.Additionally, the agency Amistur Cuba S.A., created on January 19, 1996, and linked to ICAP, was included
. The entity operates in the travel agency sector.Another sanctioned company is Minera La Victoria S.A. (MLV).