US Indicts Former Cuban Leader Raul Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

May 21, 2026

67 min

May 21, 2026 00:30

What to know about the US indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro

## Charges Against Raul Castro

Former Cuban President Raul Castro has been indicted by the United States for his alleged involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian planes. The aircraft, operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, were shot down by Cuban fighter jets, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

## Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on February 24, 1996, when three planes took off from Miami-Dade County, Florida. Two of these planes were shot down over international waters by Cuban MiG pilots. A third plane managed to evade destruction. The Cuban government claimed the planes violated its airspace, while the US maintains they were in international airspace.

## Legal and Political Reactions

The indictment accuses Castro of authorizing deadly force and includes charges of conspiracy to kill US nationals and murder. The charges could lead to severe penalties, but it remains uncertain if Castro will face trial in the US. The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has condemned the indictment, labeling it as politically motivated.

## Background on Raul Castro

Raul Castro served as Cuba's defense minister during his brother Fidel Castro's presidency. He later became president in 2006, implementing reforms and engaging in diplomatic talks with the US. Although he retired in 2021, he is believed to still hold significant influence in Cuba.

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