Cuba is facing worsening shortages, rolling blackouts and growing public unrest after the U.S. cut off the island’s access to Venezuelan oil. Juan Palop reports from Havana.
Fuel is scarce across the capital: public transportation is limited, few services are running and many neighborhoods are without power. A nationwide blackout that began yesterday left large parts of the island in the dark, adding to strains in a country long accustomed to hardship.
Hundreds of people have protested, including demonstrations in Havana and in Morón, where clashes last Friday turned violent. Crowds have marched to demand relief and an end to the immediate shortages; some Cubans say the situation has never been worse.
Amid the unrest, President Trump has escalated rhetoric about Cuba, saying he would consider “taking over” the country and that “we’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon.” On the island, residents express fear and uncertainty about what those comments might mean and are largely focused on securing basic needs — fuel, electricity and public services.
Reporters on the ground describe scenes of long lines for limited fuel, disrupted transport, and protests in multiple cities. Officials have not announced a comprehensive recovery timeline, and Cubans interviewed by local correspondents called for an end to the crisis and for clarity about what comes next. Juan Palop, CBS News, Havana.