The United States began ratcheting up pressure on communist-controlled Cuba after the military action in Venezuela early this year resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

The possibility that the Justice Department could indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro is pushing U.S. relations with the communist-run island to the foreground.

The United States imposes additional sanctions against Cuba as it ratchets up the pressure on the communist government of President Miguel Diaz-Canel.