US imposes sanctions on Cuba's defense minister

WASHINGTON - The US State Department announced on Thursday that it has imposed sanctions on Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias.

The department claimed in a statement that Cintra was designated due to his "responsibility for Cuba's actions" in supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's administration.

Washington has long been accusing the Maduro administration of human rights violations and abuses in Venezuela.

Individuals blacklisted also included a military officer and Cintra's children, who will be barred from entering the United States.

Washington has toughened its policy towards Cuba with sanctions and isolation, which Havana said showed America's pressure campaign against Venezuela has failed.

Cuba has blamed the US government for increasing hostility and applying more than one sanction per week to smother the island's financial system.