US Indicts Raul Castro, 94, Over 1996 Plane Downing That Killed 4 Americans

43 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 20

Raul Castro and five co-defendants were charged by the Trump administration over Cuba’s 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, with counts including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, murder and aircraft destruction.
The case centers on the deaths of four Americans after Cuban forces downed the civilian aircraft; Washington says the planes were hit over international waters, while Havana calls the attack legitimate self-defense against airspace violations.
Todd Blanche called it the first time in nearly 70 years that senior Cuban leadership has faced U.S. criminal charges for violence killing Americans, and Trump paired the move with renewed attacks on Cuba’s government.
The indictment lands as Washington tightens sanctions and fuel pressure on the island, deepening blackouts and economic strain while fueling speculation the legal case is part of a broader campaign to force political change in Havana.

Will indicting Raul Castro for a 1996 crime ignite a 2026 drone conflict near U.S. shores?

Does targeting a former head of state with indictment open a Pandora's box for global diplomacy?