world 16 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US Eyes Criminal Charges Against Raul Castro Over 1996 Incident
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to unveil criminal charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with a 1996 incident where Cuban jets shot down exile planes. This move signals an intensified pressure campaign against Cuba's government. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-plans-to-unveil-criminal-charges-against-raul-castro--5462448
The United States Justice Department is poised to announce criminal charges against Raul Castro, the former Cuban president, according to a U.S. official. Federal prosecutors in Miami are expected to unseal an indictment on May 20, stemming from a 1996 incident in which Cuban military jets downed two planes operated by a Cuban exile group. Prosecutors are planning an event to honor the victims of this event.
Castro, 94, served as Cuba’s defense minister at the time of the incident. While the U.S. condemned the attack and imposed sanctions, it did not previously pursue criminal charges against the Castro brothers for this event. This planned indictment would escalate pressure on Havana, aligning with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to promote regime change in Cuba.
The U.S. has recently increased its pressure on the island nation, imposing sanctions and highlighting concerns about its governance. This development follows a pattern of U.S. actions against leaders considered adversaries, such as the drug-trafficking indictment of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
The Miami Herald first reported the planned announcement. This indictment would need to be approved by a grand jury before being officially unsealed.