The US State Department has categorized Cuba as a “completely non-cooperating country” (NFCC) due to its lack of support for counter-terrorism initiatives, particularly after it did not extradite at least 11 fugitives to the US in 2024.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce shared this information on Tuesday, indicating that under Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, this designation would lead to a ban on selling or licensing defense services to Cuba.
“In 2024, the Cuban government did not fully cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts,” Bruce stated. “There are more than 11 US fugitives currently in Cuba, some facing terrorist charges, which suggests that the Cuban government is open to discussing their return to face justice here.” She added that Cuba’s refusal to engage in critical matters and other instances of non-cooperation with terrorism-related law enforcement had hindered cooperation efforts.
Meanwhile, China has dismissed reports alleging that the Chinese Communist Party is linked to four Cuban locations used for surveillance against the US.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio not only classified Cuba as an NFCC but also renewed the certifications for Iran, Syria, Venezuela, and North Korea under the same designation.
Back in January, the Biden administration reversed a decision made by the Trump administration, lifting Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. At that time, President Biden noted that Cuba had “provided no support for international terrorism in the last six months” and assured the US it would not facilitate future terrorist activities.
Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the administration’s approach to relations with Cuba. In January 2021, just before leaving office, the Trump administration had designated Cuba as a supporter of international terrorism, with the US embassy accusing the country of providing shelter for terrorists.
This latest designation marks a return to the previous stance seen during President Barack Obama’s administration, which began efforts to normalize relations in 2015. Notably, Obama visited Cuba in 2016, becoming the first sitting president to do so since 1928.
Despite advances under Obama, Trump later imposed travel and financial restrictions on Cuba, arguing that the nation had not cooperated with counterterrorism measures. State Department officials claimed Cuba refused to extradite ten suspects wanted in connection to a bombing in Colombia that killed 22 people.
Additionally, Cuba is accused of harboring American fugitives, such as Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, who was convicted in 1973 for the murder of New Jersey trooper Werner Forster.
