A blackout hit all regions of Cuba, which has been suffering an energy crisis due to sanctions by the U.S. administration of Donald Trump.
On the 16th (local time), Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines said on social media X (formerly Twitter) that a "complete disconnection" of the national power system had occurred and that it was investigating the cause.
The Union Electrica (UNE) also said that due to a "complete shutdown of the national grid," the power system had been entirely cut off and that emergency restoration work was underway.
According to the Associated Press and others, Cuba's 11 million people are currently receiving no electricity at all. Reuters reported that the blackout is part of a broader, chronic power outage crisis that lasts from hours to days.
Under U.S. pressure, Cuba lost oil support from allies such as Venezuela and Mexico and has been running its own grid, but supply is not meeting demand.
Earlier, Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel said oil supplies to the entire island had been cut off for more than three months and that power was being generated only by solar, natural gas, and some thermal power plants.
As Cuba's energy crisis intensified, U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of "occupying" Cuba. Meeting reporters at the White House that day, Trump said, "I am confident I will have the honor of taking over Cuba."
"Taking over Cuba, whether I liberate it or take it over, I think I can do whatever I want with Cuba. They are very weakened right now," Trump said.
The New York Times (NYT) noted that Trump's remarks came on the same day the Cuban government mentioned it would open its doors to foreign investment, including from the United States.