Two Mexican-flagged ships loaded with humanitarian aid entered Havana Harbor early on Thursday, a Reuters witness said, as Cuba's long-time ally made good on a promise to assist after Washington threatened tariffs on countries that send oil to Cuba.
People take pictures of Mexican-flagged ship loaded with humanitarian aid entering Havana's bay days after the island's communist-run government announced increasingly strict rationing measures to confront U.S. efforts to cut off the island’s fuel supply, Havana, Cuba February 12, 2026. Reuters/Norlys Perez
Two Mexican-flagged ships loaded with humanitarian aid entered Havana Harbor early on Thursday, a Reuters witness said, as Cuba's long-time ally made good on a promise to assist after Washington threatened tariffs on countries that send oil to Cuba.
One of the ships, the Papaloapan, carried large quantities of white-wrapped pallets on its deck as it passed beside the El Morro castle before entering the quiet waters of the harbor.
The shipment from Mexico arrives just days after the island's communist-run government announced increasingly strict rationing measures to confront U.S. efforts to cut off Cuba's fuel supply.
Washington in January threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to the island, saying that Cuba poses an "extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security - a claim Havana denies.
Mexico announced the aid delivery after halting shipments of crude and refined products to Cuba in mid-January under pressure from the Trump administration.
Ediberto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old Havana resident and state worker, watched the ships enter the harbor and praised Mexico for what he called an "unforgettable gesture."
"Mexico hasn't abandoned us," he said. "Even with pressure from a global superpower (the United States), they weren't afraid."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that her government will send a second shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba in the coming days.
By Dave Sherwood
Just weeks after a dramatic purge of China's top general, the CIA is moving to capitalize on any resulting discord with a new public video targeting potential informants in the Chinese military.
Kazakhstan on Wednesday announced a March 15 referendum on a new constitution that could allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, currently barred from ruling beyond 2029, to remain at the helm of Central Asia's largest economy.
Thailand's election commission faced pressure on Wednesday over an alleged lack of transparency in vote counting across more than a dozen constituencies following Sunday's general election that was swept by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's party.
To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.