#cuba

Trump administration flies 10-year-old back from Cuba amid custody fight President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice sent a government plane to Cuba this week to return a 10-year-old child from Utah who is at the center of a contentious custody dispute involving the child’s gender identity. The child’s parent, Rose Inessa-Ethington, a transgender woman, is accused of taking the child to Cuba without the permission of the biological mother. Federal and state authorities sought the child’s return after a family member raised concerns that Inessa-Ethington had traveled to Havana to obtain gender transition surgery for the child. The child’s biological mother, who was divorced from Inessa-Ethington and shared custody, filed a missing-person report with Logan, Utah, police on April 3 after the child was not returned as scheduled. Logan City Police Chief Jeff Simmons confirmed that the initial focus of the investigation was on custodial interference allegations, with concerns about gender-affirming surgery being raised later by a family member. The police spokesperson, Sgt. Brandon Bevan, noted that the concerns were expressed by one family member but declined to specify who. The custody dispute between the parents is not new. An online fundraiser created by Blue Inessa-Ethington, the child’s other parent, in 2021 titled “Help a Trans Mother Keep Custody of Her Child” raised $9,766. Inessa-Ethington claimed that her ex-partner had relocated several counties away, negatively impacting her parent-time with the child. She stated the funds would be used to secure a court order ensuring the child’s safety and stability.#trump_administration #cuba #rose_inessaethington #blue_inessaethington #fbi_special_agent_jennifer_waterfield

Díaz-Canel refuses to make political concessions amid U.S. pressure Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his refusal to make significant political concessions to the United States, despite escalating tensions between the two nations. In an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker recorded in Havana, Díaz-Canel emphasized that his government would not resign or alter its socialist system to meet U.S. demands. The interview, aired on Sunday, comes amid heightened diplomatic friction, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the U.S. could “take Cuba” and framing the island as the next target for potential military action. Secretary Marco Rubio, leading U.S. negotiations, has called for economic and political reforms, including leadership changes, to ease sanctions. Díaz-Canel’s statements, however, suggest that any progress remains stalled. Díaz-Canel asserted that Cuba seeks dialogue with the U.S. but insisted that its political system is non-negotiable. He rejected calls for his resignation, stating, “I have no fear. I am willing to give my life for the revolution.” The Cuban leader also dismissed U.S. conditions for lifting sanctions, such as releasing political prisoners, holding multi-party elections, or recognizing free unions and a free press. “We have established that respect for our political system or constitutional order are issues that are not under negotiations with the United States,” he said. Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. interference, arguing that the Trump administration’s approach to Cuba is driven by prejudice and manipulation of narratives about democracy and human rights. The Cuban government has announced the release of 2,000 prisoners, but human rights groups report that no political prisoners have been freed.#donald_trump #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #justicia_11j

Cuba's President Says 'We Would Die' to Defend Against U.S. Invasion President Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba reaffirmed his government’s stance during a televised interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, stating that the country would resist any U.S. military aggression with “fighting, struggle, and even the willingness to die” if necessary. Díaz-Canel, who has been in power since 2018, emphasized that Cuba’s leadership remains unyielding despite mounting pressure from the Trump administration, which has criticized the nation’s political system and economic policies. The interview, conducted in Havana, marked Díaz-Canel’s first major appearance on an American broadcast platform. Díaz-Canel condemned the U.S. for its alleged intent to launch a “military aggression” against Cuba, warning that such an action would have “costs” for both nations and the broader region. He invoked Cuba’s national anthem, which includes the phrase “Dying for the homeland is to live,” to underscore his resolve. “Before making that decision, which is so irrational, there is a logic, that is, the logic of dialogue,” he said, stressing the need for “discussions, debates, and agreements” to avoid confrontation. Welker pressed Díaz-Canel on whether Cuba would address U.S. demands, including the release of political prisoners, scheduling multiparty elections, and recognizing unions and a free press. Díaz-Canel rejected these as “extensively manipulated” issues, asserting that Cuba’s political system is non-negotiable. When specifically asked about the case of Cuban rapper Maykel Osorbo, a Latin Grammy winner imprisoned since 2021 for writing a protest song during the pandemic, Díaz-Canel denied any obligation to release political prisoners.#cuba #nbc_news #miguel_diazcanel #kristen_welker #amnesty_international

Trump says ‘Cuba is next’ in speech touting U.S. military successes U.S. President Donald Trump addressed an investment forum in Miami on Friday, March 27, 2026, declaring that “Cuba is next” in a speech highlighting perceived U.S. military successes in Venezuela and Iran. While Trump did not outline specific plans for Cuba, he reiterated his belief that the island nation’s government, grappling with a severe economic crisis, is nearing collapse. The remarks came amid ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Cuban leadership, with Trump hinting at potential kinetic action against Havana. In his speech, Trump emphasized his administration’s military capabilities, stating, “I built this great military. I said, ‘You’ll never have to use it.’ But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next by the way.” He later added, “But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t,” suggesting his comments were provocative or controversial. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged ongoing talks with the U.S. to avoid military conflict, though the island’s economy remains strained by disrupted oil imports. Cuba relies heavily on oil for power plants and transportation, and Venezuela, once a major supplier, has cut off shipments since its new government under pressure from Washington. This shift has exacerbated Cuba’s economic challenges. Trump’s remarks about Cuba followed earlier comments in March 2026, where he suggested the island could face a “friendly takeover,” though he later qualified the statement. The U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January had previously disrupted Cuba’s oil supply, further complicating its economic situation.#united_states #venezuela #donald_trump #cuba #miguel_diazcanel

US ramps up fuel exports to Cuba's private sector U.S. suppliers have shipped approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba's private sector this year, according to shipping data and documents reviewed by Reuters, indicating the Trump administration’s strategy to prioritize private businesses over state-run enterprises is gaining momentum. The shipments, which began in January, are part of a de facto oil blockade targeting Cuba’s government while allowing limited fuel access to its private sector. The U.S. has enforced restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba’s government since early 2026, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent cutoff of Venezuelan oil exports to the island. However, the administration has permitted fuel imports to Cuba’s private sector, which includes small businesses and independent operators. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the policy as part of a broader effort to “put the private sector and individual private Cubans—not affiliated with the government or military—in a privileged position.” The volume of fuel imported by the private sector since February—around 30,000 barrels, or approximately 1.27 million gallons—represents a fraction of Cuba’s total energy needs. The country previously required about 100,000 barrels per day to power its infrastructure, but the private sector’s imports have grown steadily, with shipping records showing weekly increases. The U.S. has also blocked Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba’s government and threatened tariffs on other nations shipping fuel to the island. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported that the country had not received any fuel in three months, though he did not mention private sector supplies. Meanwhile, container ships carrying a variety of goods, including fuel, have been arriving in Cuba from the U.S.#us #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #mariel_port

Cuba's national electric grid collapses, leaving millions without power Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on Monday, the country's grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has crippled the island's already obsolete generation system. Grid operator UNE announced on social media it was investigating the causes of the blackout, the latest in a series of widespread outages that have persisted for hours or days. This weekend’s outages sparked a rare violent protest in the communist-run country. Officials ruled out a major power plant failure but had not yet identified the root cause of the grid collapse, suggesting a problem with transmission. Efforts to restore power began with small clusters of circuits, or microsystems, across the country, an early but necessary step in bringing the full grid back online. The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba this year, particularly after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s most important foreign benefactor, in January. U.S. President Donald Trump cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to the island, further straining Cuba’s already antiquated grid. Cuba has entered talks with the United States in hopes of resolving the crisis. Trump has claimed recently that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and is eager to negotiate a deal. Cubans have grown accustomed to power outages, which are often linked to oil supply shortages or systemic failures in the grid. According to LSEG ship tracking data, Cuba has received only two small oil shipments this year. The first tanker, from Mexico, arrived in January at the Havana port, while the second, from Jamaica, delivered liquefied petroleum gas in February.#us #venezuela #cuba #une #cuba_grid

Trump says he’ll have the ‘honor’ of ‘taking’ Cuba: ‘I can do anything’ The Trump administration’s oil blockade, which has cut off fuel supplies to Cuba, led to the collapse of the country’s electrical grid on Monday, triggering an island-wide blackout. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Cuba’s communist government, warned again that he would take action to overthrow the regime. In a statement, Trump claimed he had the authority and capability to intervene, asserting that he could “do anything” to address what he describes as Cuba’s oppressive system. The blackout, which affected nearly all of Cuba, disrupted daily life and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and transportation systems. Officials in Havana confirmed that the power outage was caused by the lack of fuel for generators, a direct consequence of the U.S. sanctions targeting Cuba’s oil imports. The crisis has drawn international attention, with some analysts noting the broader implications of the Trump administration’s policies on global energy markets and diplomatic relations. Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Cuba, which have been strained by decades of political and economic sanctions. The president has previously framed his approach as a means to pressure the Cuban government into political reform, though critics argue that the measures have disproportionately impacted the Cuban population. The recent blackout has intensified calls for a reassessment of the sanctions, with some lawmakers and advocacy groups urging the administration to consider humanitarian concerns. The situation highlights the complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy and the practical challenges faced by countries under sanctions.#donald_trump #cuba #u_s_sanctions #cuban_government #international_relations

Strong earthquake jolts Cuba, shallow depth reported A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Cuba on Tuesday, according to reports from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), a factor that can amplify the effects of ground shaking. Authorities have not yet reported any damage or casualties, though they are monitoring the situation closely. The seismic event was noted for its proximity to populated areas, raising concerns about potential impacts. However, initial assessments suggest that the shallow depth may have contributed to stronger shaking but did not result in significant structural harm. Emergency services are currently evaluating the situation to ensure public safety and address any immediate needs. While the earthquake has drawn attention, it is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity in the region. Cuba’s location along the Caribbean tectonic plate boundary makes it susceptible to such events, though the frequency and intensity of quakes can vary. Scientists emphasize that while the tremor was notable, it does not indicate an imminent increase in seismic risk. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official updates, as further activity cannot be ruled out. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions, particularly for communities in coastal and urban areas. No additional details about the quake’s origin or long-term implications were immediately available, but experts are expected to provide further analysis in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that any potential risks are addressed promptly and effectively.#seismic_activity #cuba #emergency_services #european_mediterranean_seismological_centre #caribbean_tectonic_plate

Significant Earthquake of Magnitude 5.9 Just Reported 47 km Southeast of Baracoa, Cuba A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Baracoa, Cuba, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 12:28 am local time. The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers below the surface, approximately 47 kilometers southeast of Baracoa, in the Municipio de Baracoa, Provincia de Guantanamo. The event was first recorded by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), with subsequent reports from France’s Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS), which listed the quake at 5.1, and the RaspberryShake citizen-seismograph network and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), both noting a magnitude of 5.9. Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically detected by multiple agencies, and initial reports may vary in accuracy. Based on preliminary data, the quake was likely felt by many residents in the epicenter area. While significant structural damage is not expected, minor effects such as objects falling from shelves and broken windows may have occurred. Nearby populated areas, including Maisi (population 28,300), Baracoa (population 48,400), Rio Guayabal de Yateras (population 25,800), and Guantanamo (population 272,800), should have experienced light shaking. The earthquake’s location and depth suggest it could have triggered localized ground vibrations, but no major casualties or infrastructure failures were reported. VolcanoDiscovery, a platform tracking geological activity, noted the event and encouraged individuals to share their experiences to enhance understanding of the quake’s impact. Further details about the quake’s effects and any potential aftershocks will be updated as additional data becomes available.#earthquake #cuba #baracoa #emsc #rass

Island-wide power outage leaves much of Cuba without electricity amid deepening crisis Cuban authorities announced a widespread power outage on Monday, affecting millions of residents across the island as the nation grapples with a worsening energy and economic crisis. The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed the blackout resulted from a "complete disconnection" of the national electrical grid, with officials launching an investigation to determine the exact cause. The incident marks another significant setback for Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has been increasingly strained by fuel shortages and deteriorating facilities. President Miguel Díaz-Canel highlighted the severity of the situation, noting the country has gone over three months without receiving oil shipments. This has forced the government to rely on limited supplies of solar energy, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants to meet demand. The energy crisis has disrupted critical services, with officials reporting that thousands of medical procedures have been delayed due to insufficient electricity and fuel supplies in hospitals. The halt in oil imports from Venezuela, following the U.S. military attack on the South American nation in early January and the arrest of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, has exacerbated the problem. Despite producing about 40% of the petroleum it consumes, Cuba still depends heavily on imports to power its electricity system. Even with domestic production and alternative energy sources, officials say supply shortages persist as the nation’s electrical infrastructure continues to degrade. Recent years have seen repeated power outages across the country, attributed to fuel shortages, equipment failures, and the aging of power plants.#united_states #nicolas_maduro #cuba #miguel_dazcanel #ministry_of_energy_and_mines

Cuba reports island-wide blackout as country struggles with energy crisis Officials in Cuba reported a widespread power outage across the nation on Monday, affecting its 11 million residents as the country grapples with deepening energy and economic challenges. The government attributed the crisis to a U.S. energy embargo, which it claims has worsened by President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs on nations supplying oil to the United States. The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed a "complete disconnection" of the country’s electrical grid, stating it was investigating the cause. President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed that Cuba had not received oil shipments in over three months, forcing the government to rely on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants. He also disclosed that delays in medical services have led to postponed surgeries for tens of thousands of patients. A major blackout occurred earlier in the week, disrupting power in the western regions and leaving millions without electricity. The crisis has been compounded by the suspension of critical oil imports from Venezuela, which were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American nation in early January and arrested its then-president, Nicolás Maduro. Despite producing 40% of its petroleum and generating its own power, Cuba’s electric grid has continued to deteriorate, failing to meet growing demand. Díaz-Canel announced ongoing discussions with the U.S. government as the situation worsens, highlighting the nation’s urgent need for energy solutions. The blackout underscores the severe strain on Cuba’s infrastructure and its reliance on external energy sources amid prolonged economic hardship.#venezuela #donald_trump #cuba #miguel_dazcanel #nicols_maduro

Cal Quantrill, a right-handed pitcher for Canada, is set to start the decisive Pool A game against Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, a match that will determine Canada’s advancement to the quarterfinals. The game, scheduled for Wednesday, marks a critical moment in the tournament as both teams enter with identical 2-1 records, trailing Puerto Rico’s 3-1 tally. Quantrill, who signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers in February, made it clear his commitment to representing Canada outweighed any potential conflict with his new team. Quantrill, who previously pitched for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2022 American League Division Series, emphasized the importance of competing in the WBC, calling it “a little like the playoffs.” He noted that while the tournament’s rules limit pitching appearances, the preparation remains consistent with high-stakes games. “You really can't afford to take a game off,” he said, adding that his routine for the Cuba matchup would mirror his approach in the postseason. Canada’s path to the quarterfinals became clear after a 4-3 loss to Panama on Sunday eliminated any alternate routes to advancement. The team’s focus now centers on securing a win against Cuba, a task Quantrill is eager to tackle. “I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity,” he said, reflecting on his decision to prioritize the WBC over spring training. The Rangers, he added, were understanding of his choice. The Canadians’ strategy against Cuba includes leveraging data on the team’s hitters, as Quantrill admitted he is unfamiliar with many of the Cuban players. Cuba is expected to start left-handed pitcher Livan Moinelo, a star from the NPB, who will benefit from four days of rest between outings. Blue Jays reliever Yariel Rodriguez, who has already pitched 4.1 innings in two games, is likely to follow Moinelo.#world_baseball_classic #canada #cal_quantrill #cuba #livian_moinelo