The US Department of Justice is planning to criminally indict former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the downing of two civilian planes in 1996, according to reports. The charges, which could be announced as early as next week, are said to be related to the shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on 24 February 1996.
The incident resulted in the deaths of four American citizens, including three Cuban-Americans and a journalist. The US government has long been critical of the Cuban government's actions that day, and the potential indictment of Raúl Castro is seen as a significant development in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.
Raúl Castro, who served as Cuba's President from 2008 to 2021, has been accused of being responsible for the downing of the planes, which were on a mission to drop anti-Castro leaflets over the island. The incident was widely condemned by the international community, and the US government has consistently held the Cuban government accountable for the deaths of the four American citizens.
The potential indictment of Raúl Castro is likely to have significant implications for the UK, given the country's historical ties to Cuba and its ongoing involvement in international diplomacy. The UK government is expected to issue a statement on the matter, but no official comment has been made at this time.
The US Department of Justice has not commented on the reports, but sources close to the matter have confirmed that the indictment is imminent. The charges are expected to be announced in the coming days, although no official date has been confirmed.