CIA Director Visits Crisis-Hit Cuba as Fuel Shortages and Blackouts Deepen Across Island

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Havana: CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a rare visit to Cuba on Thursday amid a worsening energy crisis that has left the communist-run island struggling with severe fuel shortages and widespread blackouts. The visit marked one of the highest-level contacts between Washington and Havana in decades.

Ratcliffe met senior Cuban intelligence and government officials in Havana, where he reportedly delivered a message from US President Donald Trump stating that Washington is prepared to engage on economic and security issues if Cuba undertakes major political and economic reforms.

The talks took place as Cuba faces one of its worst energy shortages in recent years. Cuban authorities say the country has effectively run out of diesel and fuel oil after tightened U.S. sanctions and restrictions disrupted fuel imports. The crisis has triggered long power outages, transportation disruptions and growing public unrest across the island.

Cuban officials described the meeting as an attempt to maintain political dialogue despite strained relations. Havana also rejected U.S. accusations that it poses a security threat or supports terrorism.

The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Cuba in recent months, with reports suggesting Washington is seeking sweeping changes to the island’s communist system. However, the CIA visit also signaled that both sides may still be exploring limited diplomatic engagement amid the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis.

Pic Credit: AFP