Cubas former leader Raul Castro indicted by US authorities over plane incident

US Federal Prosecutors Indict Former Cuban President Raul Castro in Connection with 1996 Plane Downing Incident

A US federal grand jury has indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro, charging him with involvement in the downing of two civilian planes operated by a Miami-based exile group in 1996. The indictment was announced by US federal prosecutors, who cited evidence linking Castro to the incident.

The announcement comes as tensions between the US and Cuba continue to escalate. Former US President Donald Trump has been increasing pressure on the island in recent months.

According to reports, two civilian planes operated by a Miami-based exile group were shot down by Cuban air defenses in 1996, resulting in the deaths of all on board. The incident remains one of the most significant events in the complex history between the US and Cuba.

The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing saga between Washington and Havana. Castro, who served as President of Cuba from 2008 to 2018, has been accused of involvement in the downing of the planes. The charges are expected to further strain relations between the two countries.

Details of the indictment and the evidence presented against Castro have not been made public. However, US federal prosecutors have confirmed that they will continue to pursue the case.

Source: Al Jazeera