May 20, (THEWILL) — Former Cuban President Raul Castro has been charged by the United States Department of Justice over his alleged involvement in the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft belonging to a humanitarian organisation, an incident that killed four people, including three Americans.
The charges were revealed on Wednesday in a newly unsealed federal court docket, marking one of the most consequential legal actions ever initiated by the United States against a former senior Cuban leader.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the 94-year-old former Cuban leader faces seven criminal counts, including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four separate murder charges tied to the deaths of those aboard the planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue.
The Miami-based humanitarian group was known for conducting search-and-rescue operations for Cuban migrants attempting to flee the island nation by sea.
The aircraft were shot down on February 24, 1996, during a confrontation involving Cuban fighter jets.
The attack triggered widespread international outrage and significantly deepened tensions between Washington and Havana at the time.
The United States has consistently maintained that the planes were flying in international airspace when they were intercepted and destroyed.
Cuban authorities, however, had argued that the aircraft violated Cuban airspace and posed a security threat.
The victims included three American citizens and one Cuban-American resident.
The indictment is being viewed as a major escalation in the long-standing hostility between the United States and Cuba’s Communist government, coming decades after the deadly incident.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and other senior Justice Department officials are expected to address journalists in Miami to provide details surrounding the charges and the broader implications of the case.
Although the indictment carries significant political and diplomatic weight, legal experts say it remains uncertain whether Castro will ever appear before a U.S. court.
Cuba has no extradition treaty with the United States, and the former leader continues to reside in the island nation.
Raul Castro succeeded his brother, Fidel Castro, as Cuba’s president in 2008 and remained in office until 2018.
He later relinquished his role as head of the Communist Party in 2021, formally ending the Castro family’s direct rule over Cuba after more than six decades.
As of press time, Cuban authorities had not issued an official response to the charges.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
