Mexican navy ships deliver aid to Cuba amid US energy blockade

Two Mexican navy ships carrying humanitarian aid docked in Cuba on Thursday as a U.S.-imposed blockade deepens the island’s energy crisis.

The ships arrived two weeks after the U.S. government threatened tariffs on any country selling or providing oil to Cuba, prompting recent energy rationing on the island.

According to the Mexican government, one ship carried 536 tons of food, including milk, rice, beans, sardines, meat products, cookies, canned tuna, and vegetable oil, along with personal hygiene items. The second ship carried just over 277 tons of powdered milk.

Miguel Díaz-Canel described the U.S. threats as an “energy blockade,” warning that it affects transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism, and food production.

Earlier this week, Cuban aviation officials warned airlines about a shortage of fuel for airplanes to refuel on the island. On Monday, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Cuba, while other carriers reported delays and layovers in the Dominican Republic before continuing to Havana.