US Sanctions Cuban Defense Chief, Brigade For Protest Crackdown

The US sanctioned Cuban Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and Havana's Special Forces Brigade on Thursday for efforts to quell pro-democracy protests on the island nation.

US President Joe Biden said the actions are being taken to hold the Cuban government "accountable for their actions," warning of further sanctions on "individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people."

"This is just the beginning," Biden said in a statement. "As we hold the Cuban regime accountable, our support for the Cuban people is unwavering and we are making sure Cuban Americans are a vital partner in our efforts to provide relief to suffering people on the Island." -