US imposes more sanctions on Cuba, including mining sector

The United States tightened sanctions on Cuba on Thursday, blacklisting three officials tied to a state-run organization that promotes Cuba's ties with

foreign solidarity activists, along with nine state entities in the metals, mining and construction sectors.



The sanctions targeted the leadership of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and designated entities including the Ministry of Construction of Cuba for supporting the island nation's government.



Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused ICAP of sponsoring what he called "a vast subversive network" in the United States under the cover of educational and cultural exchanges.



He said Cuba had recently tried to use events around Fidel Castro's 100th birthday to bring sympathizers to Havana and connect them with government officials.