Cuba receives aid shipment from Mexico and Uruguay

BUENOS AIRES (dpa) - A humanitarian shipment from Mexico and Uruguay has arrived in Cuba as the Caribbean island grapples with one of the worst economic crises in its history, state news agency Prensa Latina reported on Monday.

The vessel Asian Katra carried 1,600 tons of food and hygiene products, according to the report. The supplies are to be distributed mainly to children, pensioners and vulnerable people, Food Industry Minister Alberto López said.

Cuba has been facing severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine, with long power cuts becoming a daily occurrence across the island. The crisis, driven by years of economic mismanagement and underinvestment, has been worsened by the long-standing US trade embargo.

The conflict between Havana and Washington has intensified in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened the Cuban government and floated the idea of a US takeover of the island.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned against military action by the United States.

"The threat itself already constitutes an international crime," Díaz-Canel wrote on X. "If it were to materialize, it would trigger a bloodbath with incalculable consequences, plus the destructive impact on regional peace and stability."

NNN-dpa