US moves toward indicting Fidel Castro's brother Raul in connection to downed planes in 1996: report

The potential indictment is related to the downing of two Cessna aircraft in 1996 by a Cuban fighter jet. Four people died.

Published: May 15, 2026 8:13am

The U.S. is moving toward an indictment of Raúl Castro, 94, the brother of former Cuban President Fidel. 

The potential indictment is related to the downing of two Cessna aircraft in 1996, CBS News reported, citing unnamed sources.  

A Cuban MiG-29 fighter jet shot down the planes, which were operated by the humanitarian group, Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people, 

If there is an indictment, a grand jury would need to approve it. 

Raúl Castro served as president of Cuba from 2008-2018. He remained as the head of Cuba's Communist Party until he resigned in 2021. He is still regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the country. 

 

 

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