US charges Cuba’s Raúl Castro with murder over 1996 downing of two planes

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The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft belonging to the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, an incident that killed four people, including three Americans. The charges include conspiracy to kill US nationals, destruction of aircraft, and multiple murder counts.

The planes were shot down by Cuban fighter jets near Cuba during a mission linked to the Miami-based humanitarian and anti-Castro group Brothers to the Rescue. The US says the aircraft were flying over international waters when they were attacked, while Cuba has long argued they violated Cuban airspace. International investigators at the time largely supported the US position.

At the time of the incident, Castro was head of Cuba’s armed forces and effectively the country’s second most powerful figure after his brother, Fidel Castro. US prosecutors say Cuban intelligence infiltrated the exile group and that the attack was planned in advance.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment in Miami, saying the United States would continue pursuing accountability for attacks against Americans regardless of how much time has passed. If convicted, some of the charges could carry life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the charges as politically motivated and accused Washington of trying to justify aggression against Cuba. He insisted Cuba acted in self-defence and described the indictment as part of increasing US pressure on the island’s communist government.

The indictment comes amid rising tensions between the US and Cuba under President Donald Trump. Washington has tightened sanctions, targeted Cuba’s military-linked economy, and blamed the government for worsening blackouts and food shortages on the island.

Experts say the move is partly symbolic because Castro, now 94 and retired from formal office, is unlikely to voluntarily appear in a US court. However, analysts believe the charges are also intended to increase pressure on Cuba’s leadership during a period of severe economic hardship and diplomatic strain.