SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The Dominican Republic on Thursday ordered the expulsion of nine Cuban diplomatic officials and their families from the country without offering any reasons for the decision, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

The measure was strongly criticised by Cuba, which described it as an act of “submission” to US policies against Havana amidst an energy and financial blockade.

The expulsion of the Cuban officials comes after the creation of the “Shield of the Americas,” a geopolitical and regional security initiative launched in March by US President Donald Trump.