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Images of Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Raul Castro, and Fidel Castro, are seen at the state building in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

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US raises pressure on Cuba with indictment of former leader as island's president condemns charges

US raises pressure on Cuba with indictment of former leader as island's president condemns charges

Federal prosecutors have announced charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles. The announcement was made Wednesday as the Trump administration escalated pressure on the socialist government. The indictment was related to Castro’s alleged role in the shootdown of two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro was Cuba’s defense minister at the time. The charges included murder and destruction of an airplane. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and other top Justice Department officials made the announcement in Miami at a ceremony to honor those killed in the shootdown.