US sanctions grandson of Cuban ex-president Raul Castro

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP)—The United States on Thursday issued sanctions against a grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro and five state-linked entities, the latest salvo in Washington’s crippling pressure campaign against the communist-led island.

“Among those designated today are a grandson of Raul Castro, Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, Banco Exterior de Cuba, and four entities exploiting Cuba’s natural resources or energy reserves for the benefit of the regime,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.

Raul Castro, 95, no longer holds an official position but remains a key power-broker on the island. Washington filed criminal charges targeting him this year.