Trump's threat to 'take' Cuba and US sanctions plunge island into blackouts

Donald Trump threatened to 'take' Cuba, then the US escalated sanctions and an oil blockade, crippling essential services.

• Donald Trump threatened to 'take' Cuba, escalating tensions with the island nation.
• The United States escalated sanctions and imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, crippling essential services.
• The sanctions and blockade have plunged Cuba into widespread blackouts and brought life for its 10 million people to a near halt.