U.S. Considers Indicting Raúl Castro in 1996 Shoot-Down of Two Planes

U.S. is moving toward an indictment of Raúl Castro, 94, the brother of former Cuban President Fidel Castro, in connection with the 1996 downing of two Cessna aircraft, CBS News reported. A Cuban MiG-29 fighter jet shot down the two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people.

The potential charges against Raul Castro relate to that incident involving the anti-Castro group. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, according to Reuters.

U.S. delegation led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Cuban officials in Havana. During that meeting Ratcliffe offered $100m in humanitarian assistance to Cuba on the condition that the government agrees to meaningful reforms.

Raul Castro served as president of Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and remained head of Cuba's Communist Party until he resigned in 2021. He is still regarded as one of the most powerful figures in Cuba and is still considered the most powerful person in the nation. Raul Castro succeeded his brother as Cuban president.

Any indictment of Raúl Castro would need to be approved by a grand jury. The same requirement applies to any charges that might be brought. Raúl Castro is 94 years old. The United States is planning to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro.