US says Cuba 'not fully cooperating' with counter-terrorism efforts

14/5/2025 12:26

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday placed Cuba on a short list of countries it says did not fully cooperate with U.S. counterterrorism efforts in 2024, reversing a decision by the Biden administration the previous year.



The State Department said in statement that there are at least 11 U.S. fugitives in Cuba, including several facing terrorism-related charges and that Cuba's government had "made clear it was not willing to discuss their return" to face justice in the United States.



Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez lashed out at the decision by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, saying it was based on lies.

Biden administration officials the previous year took Cuba off the list, citing the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between Cuba and the U.S. as one the reasons why the previous designation was deemed "no longer appropriate."



The cooperation against terrorism list, which the State Department is required by law to provide the U.S. Congress, is not the same as the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.