Defense & Geopolitics — 2026-03-17

Cuba Plunged into Island-Wide Blackout After US Oil Blockade; Trump Muses Over 'Taking Cuba'

Cuba's national grid collapsed, cutting power to 11 million people after three months without oil shipments due to a US tanker blockade. By Tuesday afternoon, 55% of Havana had power restored. Russia pledged assistance. Trump publicly mused about 'taking Cuba,' escalating rhetoric against a state already in humanitarian crisis. This was Cuba's third and most severe blackout in four months.

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