US seeks indictment of former Cuban leader Raul Castro

The potential charges relate to Cuba’s 1996 downing of humanitarian planes, US media outlets report.The United States is planning to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro as Washington raises the pressure on the island’s communist government.Several US media outlets reported on Thursday that the potential charges against the 94-year-old brother of Fidel Castro relate to a 1996 incident in which Cuba shot down planes flown by the anti-Castro humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Cuba crisis explained: Who holds power, and could Diaz-Canel be replaced?list 2 of 4‘Policy of abuse’: Women march in Cuba against US energy blockadelist 3 of 4Cuba confirms talks with US officials, wants end to Trump’s energy blockadelist 4 of 4Cuba’s Diaz-Canel open to US aid amid worsening fuel crisis, blackoutsend of listThe move comes amid a US blockade that has halted virtually all fuel supplies to the island, with the Trump administration, after celebrating its overthrow of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, pushing for regime change.Castro, who succeeded his brother as Cuban president, is still considered the most powerful person in the nation. Any indictment would need to be approved by a grand jury.The reports surfaced hours after a US delegation led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Cuban officials in Havana, where he offered $100m in humanitarian assistance on the condition that the government agrees to “meaningful reforms”.EscalationIndicting Castro would mark a stunning escalation in the ongoing crisis in US-Cuba relations, which have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office for a second term in 2025.Trump has repeatedly said he wants to topple Cuba’s communist-led government, warning that Cuba is “next” after the US military abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.The president first cut the flow of funds and fuel from Venezuela to Cuba in January. He then threatened heavy tariffs against any country that provides Havana with oil, implementing a de facto fuel blockade on the island.