The United States Department of Justice is reportedly preparing criminal charges against former Cuban leader, Raúl Castro, over the 1996 shooting down of two aircraft operated by activist group, Brothers to the Rescue, in an escalation of Washington’s pressure campaign against Havana.
According to reports from US media, prosecutors are considering filing charges against the 94-year-old former Cuban president and Communist Party leader in connection with the February 24, 1996 incident that left four people dead.
The potential indictment, which would require approval by a US grand jury, emerged as CIA Director, John Ratcliffe, travelled to Havana for talks with Cuban officials, including Raúl Rodríguez Castro, grandson of Raúl Castro.
The aircraft involved belonged to Brothers to the Rescue, a Cuban exile organisation that searched for migrants attempting to flee Cuba by sea to the United States. Cuban authorities had long accused the group of repeatedly violating Cuban airspace by dropping anti-government leaflets near the island.
However, the International Civil Aviation Organisation reportedly concluded that the planes were shot down over international waters.
US President Donald Trump, when asked about the possible indictment aboard Air Force One on Friday, declined to comment directly on the matter.
“I’ll let DoJ comment on it,” Trump said, adding that Cuba was “a nation in decline.”
The move is seen as part of a broader US strategy aimed at intensifying pressure on Cuba’s communist government through sanctions, economic restrictions, and diplomatic measures.
Trump’s administration has imposed a stringent oil blockade on Cuba, worsening fuel shortages on the island. Cuba’s energy minister recently acknowledged that the country had effectively run out of fuel oil.
In March, Florida authorities announced the reopening of investigations into Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 incident. Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, described the possible charges as “long overdue.”
Cuban authorities have yet to officially respond to reports of the impending indictment. However, Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, insisted the country would continue pursuing its socialist path despite “embargo, sanctions and threats.”
Acting US Attorney General, Todd Blanche, also declined to confirm reports of the planned indictment, saying authorities would speak “if and when there’s a time.”
Analysts say any attempt to prosecute or arrest Castro could further heighten tensions between Washington and Havana.
Professor William LeoGrande of American University described the possible indictment as “one more element of the pressure campaign” against Cuba, warning that destabilising the island could trigger a migration crisis affecting the United States.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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