US May Indict Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

U.S. prosecutors could announce a criminal indictment against former Cuban president Raúl Castro in the coming days, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The potential case is being handled by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida and centers on the 1996 destruction of aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.

Two small planes belonging to the Miami-based group were shot down by Cuban fighter jets in February 1996, killing four people.

Investigation focuses on 1996 incident

The organisation had been carrying out missions to search for Cuban migrants and conduct humanitarian activities near the island.

Cuba said at the time the aircraft had entered its airspace, while the United States maintained they were flying over international waters. Investigations by international authorities later supported the U.S. position that the attack occurred outside Cuban territory.

Legal process still pending

Any criminal charges would still require approval from a U.S. grand jury before they could be formally filed.

Officials familiar with the investigation say the Justice Department has been examining whether senior Cuban officials, including Castro, could be held responsible for the attack. At the time of the incident, Castro served as Cuba’s defence minister and oversaw the country’s armed forces.

Previous attempts to bring criminal cases related to the shootdown have faced legal obstacles, largely because Cuban officials are unlikely to be extradited to the United States.

Rising tensions between Washington and Havana

The possible indictment comes as relations between Washington and Havana remain strained.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently signalled a renewed focus on Cuba following developments in other foreign policy areas. Earlier this month he suggested that the United States could shift attention to the island after concluding operations in Iran.

Cuban officials have strongly criticised such remarks. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla warned that U.S. rhetoric about taking control of Cuba could lead to serious conflict.

In an interview in Havana, Rodríguez said Cuba would take the threats “very seriously” and would defend itself if it faced military action.

Pressure through economic measures

In recent months Washington has relied largely on economic pressure rather than military action. Measures have included tightening restrictions on Cuba’s access to oil shipments from abroad.

At the same time, there have been signs of limited diplomatic engagement. John Ratcliffe, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, met Cuban officials in Havana this week.

According to the CIA, the United States is willing to discuss economic and security issues with Cuba, but only if the government implements significant reforms.

For now, U.S. officials have not confirmed whether an indictment against Castro will be announced, and the Justice Department has not publicly commented on the case.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 17 May 2026