The U.S. government on Tuesday hit Cuban state companies with new sanctions that analysts say are expected to spook foreign investors and deepen a severe economic crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target five Cuban entities, including three linked to Grupo de Administracin Empresarial S.A., a business conglomerate operated by Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Best known as GAESA, it is believed to command nearly 40% of Cuba's gross domestic product.