US government pursues indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro

May 15, 2026 • Google News World

The US Department of Justice is reportedly seeking an indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian planes. According to sources, the DOJ is pushing for Castro’s indictment in connection with the incident.

Castro was the President of Cuba at the time and had been in power since 2008. The 1996 incident involved the shooting down of two American aircraft, Brothers to the Rescue, which were on a humanitarian mission to rescue Cuban refugees.

The US government has long maintained that Castro’s regime was responsible for the downing of the planes, resulting in the deaths of all five crew members on board. The incident has been a point of contention between the US and Cuba for many years.

It is not clear at this time whether an indictment will be formally filed against Castro or what specific charges he may face. However, the DOJ’s efforts to pursue an indictment suggest that the US government remains committed to holding those responsible for the downing of the planes accountable.

The development comes as tensions between the US and Cuba have eased in recent years, with both countries engaging in diplomatic efforts to improve relations. However, the incident remains a sensitive issue, and any potential indictment would likely be met with significant scrutiny from both governments and the international community.

Source: Google News World