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The State Department has once again included Cuba on the list of countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, determined and certified that in 2024, “the Cuban regime did not fully cooperate with the United States on anti-terrorism matters,” and consequently, it should be certified as a “country that does not fully cooperate” (NFCC), according to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, stated the Department of State's statement.
There are at least 11 fugitives from U.S. justice in Cuba, including several facing charges related to terrorism, and the Cuban regime has made it clear that it is not willing to negotiate their return to stand trial in our country,” the text stated.
He added that "the Cuban regime's refusal to address this important issue, along with other recent circumstances of non-cooperation on law enforcement matters related to terrorism, rendered the counter-terrorism cooperation efforts in 2024 futile."
The State Department specified that, in addition to Cuba, four other countries, which are North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, continue to be non-compliant with cooperation.
This annual certification by the Secretary of State to Congress of a list of “countries that do not fully cooperate” in anti-terrorism efforts entails the prohibition of the sale or granting of licenses for the export of defense articles and services to Cuba and the other four nations.
The list of countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts is managed independently from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Nevertheless, the reinclusion confirms the direct break of the Trump Administration with its predecessor, which had opted for a certain détente with Havana, especially during its last year. Additionally, it sends a clear message to allies and multilateral organizations that Washington is not willing to soften its stance towards the Cuban regime.
"The certification today that Cuba does not fully cooperate with the United States' anti-terrorism efforts is further proof that the Trump Administration will not overlook countries that provide refuge to American fugitives," stated a senior official from the State Department to the newspaper The Miami Herald.
The repatriation of fugitives from U.S. justice in Cuba has been a point of friction in the diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana for decades.
In early May, the Secretary of State Rubio requested the extradition of Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, a fugitive convicted of the murder of a New Jersey state police officer in 1973 who has been sheltered in Cuba for four decades.
Assata Shakur became, in 2013, the first woman to be included in the FBI's most wanted terrorists list. U.S. authorities classify her as a “domestic terrorist” and warn that she should be considered “armed and dangerous.” The FBI offers a reward of up to 1,000,000 dollars for information leading directly to her capture.
The possibility of her extradition has been discussed on various occasions, even in the context of bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba, but so far, no progress has been made. Currently, it is estimated that over 70 U.S. citizens who are fugitives from justice reside on the island.
In May 2024, during his final year in the White House, the administration of President Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of countries that do not cooperate with Washington’s anti-terrorism efforts.
At that moment, the decision was seen as a first step by the Democratic administration to remove the country from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which ultimately occurred on January 14, 2025, six days before Biden completed his term.
However, on January 20th itself, just hours before taking office for the second time, President Donald Trump revoked the decision and placed Cuba back on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, implying that Cuba's removal from the list does not align with the interests of the United States and the new presidency.
Cuba was reincorporated into the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism in 2021 during Trump's first administration. The island had been removed from that list in 2015 by Barack Obama.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Inclusion on the List of Countries Not Cooperating Against Terrorism
Why has the United States reinstated Cuba on the list of countries that do not cooperate against terrorism?
The United States has once again included Cuba on the list because the Cuban regime did not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts in 2024. According to the State Department, there are at least 11 fugitives from U.S. justice in Cuba, including several facing terrorism-related charges. Furthermore, the Cuban government is unwilling to negotiate their extradition.
What are the consequences for Cuba of being on this list?
Being on the list of countries that do not cooperate against terrorism entails economic sanctions and trade restrictions for Cuba. These sanctions exacerbate the economic difficulties of the island, limiting its access to trade and international aid. They also reinforce restrictions on arms exports and dual-use goods.
What is the connection between this decision and the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Cuba is also on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, which entails additional sanctions. Inclusion on both lists reinforces the United States' stance that Cuba does not cooperate in anti-terrorism efforts and maintains relationships with extremist groups. These designations reflect the lack of changes in Cuban policy regarding terrorism.
How has the Cuban government reacted to this inclusion on the list?
The Cuban government has rejected the inclusion and describes it as an imperialist attack. It has insisted that these decisions are based on lies and accuses the United States of being the aggressor. Furthermore, it blames the sanctions for the economic and social problems on the island.
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