The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly taking steps to indict Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba, in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. The potential indictment, which requires grand jury approval, focuses on Cuba's role in the incident, which killed four men. The planes were shot down over the Florida Straits while searching for Cuban refugees fleeing communism.
The U.S. officials familiar with the matter confirm the Justice Department's actions, though a spokesperson declined to comment. The case centers on a 12-minute recording allegedly featuring Castro discussing the planning and execution of the shootdown, according to NBC Miami. Florida's Attorney General previously reopened a state investigation into the incident, a move supported by the families of the victims.
Raúl Castro, who formally stepped down as Cuba's Communist Party leader in 2021, remains a powerful figure in the country. The indictment comes amid heightened U.S. pressure on Cuba, including threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island. The Trump administration has also floated the idea of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, though no formal policy has been announced.
The 1996 incident has long been a point of contention between the U.S. and Cuba. Brothers to the Rescue was a Miami-based group that used planes to locate and assist Cuban refugees attempting to flee the island. The Cuban government has maintained that the planes were shot down in self-defense, as they allegedly violated Cuban airspace. The U.S. has condemned the action as an unjustified attack on civilian aircraft.
The potential indictment marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Cuba relations, which have been strained for decades. The case could further complicate diplomatic efforts between the two nations, particularly as Cuba faces economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic.