The news of the deadly shoot-out at sea comes as the Trump administration is stepping up pressure on Cuba’s Communist government. On Jan. 3, the U.S. military captured Venezuela’s longtime leader – and close ally of Cuba’s government – Nicolás Maduro. Washington is pushing for political reform in Cuba, and an executive order from late January authorized tariffs on countries selling or providing oil to the island. The oil blockade has exacerbated Cuba’s energy and humanitarian crises. In the hours before the Wednesday shooting, the Trump administration agreed to ease some oil restrictions to allow small shipments for “commercial and humanitarian” use.