U.S. Indicts Raul Castro Over 1996 Downing of Civilian Planes

The Department of Justice announced charges against Raul Castro and five others for the February 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes. U.S. nationals, and destruction of aircraft. Raul Castro, 94, was Cuba's minister of defense at the time of the incident. U.S. resident.

Havana reported receiving between one and six hours of electricity per day. The shortages began after the United States imposed an oil blockade on Cuba in January following a raid that led to the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Cuba had relied on Venezuelan oil for most of its energy needs.

President Trump issued an executive order placing tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba, further restricting supply.

Quintero, 32, said he welcomed the indictment but remains focused on finding medication for pneumonia. He survives on remittances from family in the United States, from which the Cuban government takes a portion. A longtime Havana resident who works with foreign investors described the indictment as symbolic but said it could lead to changes in government leadership.

The resident noted that homes of high-ranking officials continue to receive uninterrupted electricity and access to well-stocked stores. Government workers earn between $15 and $23 per month after taxes. Workers at foreign companies face a 90 percent tax on wages.

U.S. sanctions on Cuba date to 1960.

The current round of measures follows the January oil blockade and an executive order from President Trump. Rosa Paya, 37, said the indictment addresses the deaths of four humanitarian workers killed in the 1996 incident. She stated that families of the victims have waited nearly 30 years for accountability.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to be delivered through non-government channels.