CIA chief visits Cuba as the island's energy crisis worsens
The CIA director's visit to Havana coincided with a deepening collapse of Cuba's electricity grid. BBC said the trip was one of the highest-level US-Cuba contacts in years. Power cuts on the island are reaching 18 hours per day.
According to BBC, the CIA director landed in Havana on Thursday in a low-profile visit and spent a day on the island. The meetings reportedly involved Cuba's intelligence officials and foreign ministry representatives. The country's power grid collapse is leaving residents without electricity for 14 to 18 hours each day.
The agenda covered energy aid, the migration wave and the presence of third-country military assets on the island. The Cuban government asked for a softening of the US embargo and permission to import spare parts for power infrastructure. The White House has not yet responded to those requests.
The electricity crisis is heavily weighing on agricultural output and export revenue. BBC reported a recent increase in Cuban migrants approaching the Florida coast. Analysts warned that economic pressure could intensify if the visit does not lead to a concrete aid package.
More from South America
Trump and Lula's private Oval Office meeting signals effort to ease tension
US President Donald Trump met privately with Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the Oval Office. BBC reported the meeting as an effort to ease the lingering trade strain between the two countries. Agriculture, coffee and tariff disputes dominated the agenda.
Three dead after monster truck crashes into crowd
A monster truck crashed into a crowd at a show in Colombia, killing at least three people and injuring 38. The incident raises fresh concerns about public safety at large events.
Colombia announces record $1.4 million bounty for rebel leader blamed in bomb attack
Colombia's government announced a record $1.4 million bounty for a rebel commander known as "Marlon," blamed for orchestrating a bomb attack that killed 20 people. The extraordinary reward underscores the government's intensified campaign against armed groups destabilizing the nation.