U.S TO PROVIDE $6M IN AID TO CUBA . (PHOTO).

 U.S to provide $6M in aid to Cuba 

The U.S. State Department announced it will send an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, as the island continues to grapple with worsening conditions following Hurricane Melissa in October. The Category 4 hurricane caused widespread destruction, including toppled roofs, blocked mountain roads, and damaged homes, leaving the country in urgent need of relief. A December report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described the situation as “severe.”

The aid, which follows an earlier $3 million shipment in the wake of the hurricane, will consist of pre-packaged supplies delivered through local Catholic Church representatives in Miami. The State Department said this approach ensures that the Cuban government cannot interfere with or divert assistance meant for residents in need. Officials emphasized that the U.S. will hold the Cuban government accountable for any attempts to obstruct the aid.

Cuba’s current struggles have been exacerbated by a halt in Venezuelan oil shipments following the U.S. invasion of Venezuela on Jan. 3, which captured President Nicolás Maduro. Former President Trump noted that Cuba previously relied on Venezuelan oil, which had been a critical source of revenue and energy for the country.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over Cuba’s humanitarian situation, warning that the crisis could worsen without access to essential resources like oil. The U.S. State Department, however, maintains that Cuba’s shortages are primarily due to mismanagement and resource hoarding by the Cuban government, rather than U.S. actions.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that the country has not received Venezuelan oil since December but reiterated that Cuba remains open to dialogue with the U.S., emphasizing that discussions must occur without external pressure and respect Cuban sovereignty. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, noting that the U.S. remains open to diplomacy while holding the Cuban government accountable for its domestic challenges.