The Department of State imposed blocking sanctions on 3 individuals (Cuba) and 8 entities (Cuba) under E.O. 14404 for operating in Cuba's defense and metals/mining sectors. Four military research enterprises were designated for developing simulators, naval research, infantry armaments, and electronics/communications for Cuba's armed forces, along with their respective directors general, all senior FAR officers; four state-owned nickel-sector entities were separately designated for sustaining the regime's hard-currency nickel exports through mining, engineering, R&D, and support services.