Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism:
On January 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
The decision was based on Cuba’s repeated support for acts of international terrorism, including granting safe harbor to terrorists.
Cuba had previously held this designation in 1982 due to its history of aiding guerrilla groups and individual terrorists.
The designation was rescinded in 2015 but reinstated in 2021.
Support for Terrorist Groups:
Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups receive approximately $100 million annually in funding from Iran and Cuba.
Cuba’s presence remains strong in Lebanon, where it has formalized its relationship with U.S.-designated terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Cuba harbors several U.S. fugitives wanted for charges related to political violence, including Joanne Chesimard (aka Assata Shakur) and William “Guillermo” Morales.
Specific Instances:
After the 2019 bombing of a Bogotá police academy by the ELN (National Liberation Army), Cuba refused Colombia’s request to extradite ELN leaders living in Havana.
Cuba also harbors other fugitives, including those involved in hijackings, bombings, and murders.
Source : state.gov
Cuba’s support for terrorist activities involves several key aspects:
Harboring Fugitives:
Cuba provides safe haven for individuals wanted by other countries for their involvement in terrorist acts or other criminal activities.
Notable examples include Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur), who was involved in the killing of a New Jersey state trooper, and William “Guillermo” Morales, a bomb-maker for the Puerto Rican nationalist group FALN.
By harboring these fugitives, Cuba allows them to evade justice and continue their activities.
Support for Radical Groups:
Cuba has historical ties to revolutionary movements and guerrilla groups. During the Cold War, it supported various leftist movements across Latin America and Africa.
While some of these groups have disbanded, Cuba’s ideological alignment with certain radical factions persists.
Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S., have found support in Cuba.
Cuba’s relationship with these groups involves financial aid, training, and logistical support.
Refusal to Cooperate with Extradition Requests:
When other countries seek the extradition of individuals involved in terrorist acts, Cuba often refuses to cooperate.
For example, after the 2019 bombing of a police academy in Bogotá, Colombia, by the ELN (National Liberation Army), Cuba declined Colombia’s request to extradite ELN leaders residing in Havana.
This lack of cooperation allows terrorists to remain beyond the reach of international law enforcement.
Strategic Geopolitical Position:
Cuba’s geographical location in the Caribbean provides it with strategic advantages.
It can serve as a transit point for illicit activities, including arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and money laundering.
By turning a blind eye to such activities, Cuba supports networks that have ties to terrorism.
The Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional (FALN), or Armed Forces of National Liberation, had a significant relationship with Cuba during its existence. Here are the key points regarding their connection:
Safe Haven in Cuba:
The FALN was a Puerto Rican nationalist group that advocated for independence for Puerto Rico.
Several FALN members were involved in bombings and other violent acts in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
After committing these acts, some FALN members fled to Cuba to avoid arrest and prosecution.
William Morales, a bomb maker for the FALN, escaped from prison in the U.S. and eventually settled in Cuba, where he has lived freely for decades.
Other Fugitives in Cuba:
Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, is another prominent fugitive who found refuge in Cuba.
Assata Shakur was convicted for the 1973 murder of a New Jersey policeman. She escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba.
Cuba has harbored other American fugitives involved in various crimes, including robbery, hijacking, and murder.
The exact number of fugitives in Cuba remains uncertain, but estimates suggest there may be dozens to hundreds hiding there.
Uncertainty Amid Thaw in U.S.-Cuba Relations:
With the historic deal to normalize relations between the U.S. and Cuba announced in December, the fate of these fugitives has become uncertain.
The State Department has indicated that discussions will occur regarding the status of individuals like William Morales and Assata Shakur.
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