Mexican Navy ships arrive in Cuba with humanitarian aid amid US blockade

Vessels bring supplies to island nation facing economic challenges

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Two ships from the Mexican Navy have arrived in Cuba with humanitarian aid, providing much-needed supplies to the island nation as it continues to face economic challenges due to the ongoing US blockade.

Why it matters

The delivery of humanitarian aid from Mexico comes at a critical time for Cuba, which has struggled with shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods due to the longstanding US trade embargo. This gesture of support from a neighboring country highlights the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding Cuba's relationship with the United States.

The details

The Mexican Navy ships docked in Havana, unloading pallets of food, medical equipment, and other vital supplies to assist the Cuban people. This marks the latest effort by the Mexican government to provide aid to Cuba, which has faced severe economic hardship in recent years exacerbated by the US blockade.

  • The ships arrived in Havana on February 12, 2026.

The players

Mexican Navy

The naval forces of Mexico, responsible for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Cuba.

Cuba

The island nation that has faced economic challenges due to the longstanding US trade embargo and is the recipient of the Mexican humanitarian aid.

United States

The country that has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba for decades, contributing to the island's economic difficulties and the need for international humanitarian assistance.

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What they’re saying

“This aid from Mexico is a vital lifeline for the Cuban people, who have endured so much hardship due to the US blockade.”

— Raul Castro, Former President of Cuba (Granma)

What’s next

The Mexican government has indicated that it will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Cuba as long as the US blockade remains in place, underscoring the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The takeaway

The arrival of Mexican Navy ships carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, as the island nation continues to face economic challenges due to the longstanding US trade embargo. This gesture of support from Mexico serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need to address the root causes of Cuba's economic difficulties.