The US State Department announced to ban Cuban Defense Minister Frias to the country for alleged human rights violations by assisting the Venezuelan President.

"General Leopoldo Cintra Frias, Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), is responsible for the actions of Cuba to support the Maduro government," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday announced and accused the military. Cuban team violates human rights in Venezuela.

General Frias's two children, Deborah Cintra Gonzalez and Leopoldo Cintra Gonzalez, also received similar sanctions. The Cuban embassy in Washington has not commented on the sanctions. Cuba has repeatedly rejected US accusations against the country over the situation in Venezuela.

The United States and more than 50 countries recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate president, while Maduro still receives the backing of the military and many countries like Russia, China, and Cuba.

US-Cuba relations were restored six years ago under former US President Barack Obama after more than half a century of hostility. Washington has relaxed trade restrictions and moved back to Havana.

However, the administration of President Donald Trump has tightened sanctions and imposed new sanctions, affirming the main goal is to force Cuba to stop supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which Havana declared "will not ever do ".