Havana’s in the news as Cuba tightens sanctions, power outages, and fresh clashes with the U.S.—capital, port, and heartbeat of the island’s crisis. Population: Cuba’s largest city; capital of La Habana.
Cuban forces shot at a Florida-registered speedboat carrying 10 armed individuals attempting to infiltrate the island. Four suspects were killed, six injured, and one American citizen was confirmed dead. The incident heightens tensions amid ongoing US-Cuba disputes.
Cuba shot at a Florida-registered speedboat carrying 10 armed Cubans from the U.S., resulting in four deaths and six injuries. Cuba claims the vessel was attempting infiltration and terrorism, while the U.S. investigates. Tensions rise amid ongoing U.S.-Cuba disputes.
Cuban authorities announced they intercepted six individuals linked to an armed infiltration from the U.S., resulting in a firefight that left four dead and six wounded. The incident heightens tensions amid ongoing U.S.-Cuba disputes, with Cuba displaying seized weapons and accusing the exiles of terrorist intent.
Cuba reports that a speedboat carrying 10 armed Cubans from the US was intercepted near Cayo Falcones. Five suspects were killed, others wounded and detained. The incident heightens tensions between Cuba and the US amid ongoing regional instability and accusations of terrorism.
As of March 21, 2026, Cuba faces a severe energy crisis worsened by a US oil embargo following the January abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Cuba's main oil supplier. President Trump has publicly threatened a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, while bilateral talks continue amid widespread blackouts and economic hardship affecting 10 million Cubans.
A convoy of aid ships from Mexico, part of the 'Nuestra America' effort, arrived in Havana to deliver food, medicine, and solar panels. The aid responds to Cuba's severe power outages caused by US sanctions and fuel shortages. The operation highlights ongoing international support amid Cuba's economic crisis.
Cuba experienced multiple blackouts over the past week, caused by failures at aging thermoelectric plants and compounded by US sanctions and oil embargoes. The outages have disrupted daily life, with Havana facing up to 15 hours of blackouts daily, as the government struggles to restore power amid ongoing economic and political pressures.
A convoy of left-wing activists, including streamer Hasan Piker and members of Code Pink, traveled to Cuba to deliver aid and support the regime. They stayed in luxury hotels during widespread blackouts and shortages, drawing criticism for their performative activism and disregard for local hardships.
Cuba's power grid has experienced multiple blackouts due to aging infrastructure and a US-imposed oil blockade. Recent outages have left millions without electricity, highlighting ongoing economic and energy struggles linked to US sanctions and Venezuela's reduced oil supply. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue.
On February 25, a firefight occurred between Cuban border guards and a speedboat carrying Cuban nationals armed with weapons and ammunition. Five men were killed, others wounded, and the incident has sparked an investigation involving the FBI, with tensions high between Cuba and the US.
Cuba announced the release of prisoners, including foreigners and Cubans, as a humanitarian gesture for Holy Week. The government did not specify the timing, conditions, or crimes involved. The move follows US pressure and previous releases linked to diplomatic talks and regional politics.
In April 2026, US and Cuban officials have held secret talks in Havana, the first since 2016, focusing on ending the US oil blockade and improving diplomatic relations. The US has demanded political prisoner releases, economic reforms, and compensation for confiscated assets. Cuba insists internal legal matters are off the table and demands reciprocal economic relief. Both sides emphasize respectful dialogue without threats.
Cuba has run out of fuel oil and diesel, triggering severe blackouts that persist in Havana and across the island. Government says the blockade and sanctions are worsening shortages, while protests erupt in parts of the capital. Power remains unstable as the country relies on aging plants and limited domestic production.
Cuban officials report ongoing blackouts across eastern provinces after a fuel squeeze has left the grid strained. Moscow and Havana point to U.S. sanctions and sanctions-led fuel restrictions as the cause, with protests flaring in Havana amid extended outages.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has met Cuban officials in Havana to discuss intelligence, economic stability and security. U.S. prosecutors have been expected to unseal an indictment against 94-year-old Raúl Castro in Miami on May 20 over the 1996 shootdown of exile planes, according to U.S. and Cuban sources.
Cuban president Miguel Díaz‑Canel has said Cuba "poses no threat" after US reports — citing classified intelligence — that Havana has obtained more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and discussed strikes on US assets including Guantánamo Bay. Cuba has denied the claims and warned a US attack would "trigger a bloodbath."
The United States has indicted Raúl Castro for murder and conspiracy in connection with the 1996 shootdown of four Brothers to the Rescue crew members by Cuban jets, an event the U.S. has long said occurred over international waters. The indictment expands a decades-long pursuit of accountability following the attack that killed four Americans.