Arabic version: وزارة العدل الأمريكية تستعد لتوجيه اتهام ضد راؤول كاسترو

The US justice department is reportedly preparing to indict aging Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago. The reported charges, which would need to be approved by a US grand jury, are expected to be announced in the coming days. According to BBC News, the indictment could come as soon as next Wednesday.

The charges are said to centre on the downing of two planes operated by the US activist-humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue in 1996. The incident resulted in the deaths of four people and occurred while Fidel Castro was president and Raúl Castro was armed forces minister. The US has maintained a pressure campaign against Cuba, which includes an oil blockade and widespread sanctions.

Florida’s Attorney General recently announced the reopening of an investigation into Raúl Castro’s role in the incident, with Governor Ron DeSantis praising the potential charges as “long overdue.” The Cuban government has not officially commented on the reports of an indictment, but Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized Cuba’s commitment to sovereignty despite US sanctions.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently visited Cuba, where he met with Cuban officials to discuss economic and security issues. The US has offered aid to Cuba to alleviate the effects of the oil blockade, but the situation remains tense as the indictment looms. Analysts warn that destabilizing Cuba could have adverse effects on the US, potentially leading to a mass migration crisis if the island’s economy collapses.