The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on eight senior Cuban military officials and five entities, targeting procurement networks linked to weapons and military equipment in an effort to cut off state revenue and restrict what Washington described as "foreign adversary operations."

The latest measures mark a new step in Washington's growing pressure campaign against Havana.

On Thursday, several UN human rights experts criticized the United States' recent expansion of unilateral sanctions against Cuba, saying the measures sought to influence the constitutional order of a sovereign country through pressure and coercion, in violation of the UN Charter.

The experts urged the international community and civil society to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Cuba. They said new US sanctions targeting key economic sectors, including energy, had worsened fuel shortages and nationwide power outages, while putting further strain on basic services such as healthcare and food supplies. They called on Washington to lift measures that violate international law.

The United States has maintained a decades-long economic, financial and trade embargo against Cuba. After launching military actions against Venezuela and Iran earlier this year, US President Donald Trump warned that "Cuba is next" and further tightened pressure on Havana, including measures targeting oil supplies.

Beyond sanctions and economic restrictions, the United States has also expanded intelligence activities focused on Cuba.

According to US media reports on Wednesday, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has secretly established a Cuba task force to increase funding, personnel and technical resources for intelligence gathering and covert operations targeting the island nation. Its reported objectives include attempting to create internal divisions and seek changes in Cuba's leadership.

Sources familiar with the matter said the task force is increasing the number of intelligence officers and analysts responsible for recruiting and managing sources, as well as personnel involved in cyber operations and covert infiltration efforts.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said in a statement that Washington's actions came as no surprise, accusing the CIA of carrying out espionage, subversion and sabotage activities against Cuba for decades, including what he called "terrorist operations."

He criticized the United States for portraying Cuba's defensive measures as threats while simultaneously pursuing actions aimed at pressuring and destabilizing the country.