Sends first humanitarian flight to Cuba under new aid package

The United States sent its first humanitarian flight to Cuba on Tuesday, according to the State Department, as part of a new $100 million assistance commitment. The shipment represents the opening step in an aid package described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May as unprecedented, aimed at supporting Cuba’s people rather than the government. The U.S. has also increased pressure on the island, including blocking most oil shipments to the Caribbean and imposing financial sanctions. Cuban officials initially rejected U.S. calls for political reforms, citing power outages and shortages, but later appeared to accept the aid after talks with Trump administration officials. The State Department said the Tuesday delivery included food and hygiene kits for up to 700 families. It was delivered by Catholic Relief Services, following $9 million in earlier U.S. support distributed by the Catholic Church.