New Delhi, July 24 -- Hundreds of boxes of humanitarian aid from the U.S. are being distributed in two towns near the Cuban capital, the Catholic Church organization in charge of the distribution said Thursday.

The aid arrived this week and its distribution began on Wednesday. It is shrouded in controversy due to the long-standing political distrust between Cuba and the U.S., and comes amid a crisis on the island exacerbated by an energy embargo imposed in January by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Caritas began distributing the boxes to unspecified parishes and religious houses in the municipalities of Bejucal and Alquizar, which border Havana, according to a statement from the organization.

The food and hygiene kits will be distributed ...