U.S. puts Cuba on list of countries “not cooperating” on counterterrorism

The State Department placed Cuba back on the list of countries “not fully cooperating” with U.S. counterterrorism efforts a year after Biden had removed Cuba from the list. The reasoning behind the designation is that Cuba refuses to discuss the return of “U.S. fugitives from justice” as well as “other recent circumstances of non-cooperation,” according to a statement by spokesperson Tammy Bruce. The statement does not provide any details as to those circumstances.

Biden had removed Cuba from the list citing law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. According to Biden and Cuban officials, Cuba and the U.S. cooperate on several issues, including counterterrorism, migration and drug trafficking. Check out this interview with a member of the U.S. Coast Guard who spoke of his cooperation with his Cuban counterparts.

The list results in the prohibition of the sale or license for export of defense articles and services to Cuba. It is far less impactful than the State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT), which cuts Cuba off from trade, investment and credit.