The United States Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to bring charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in the coming days. The potential indictment stems from the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by the activist group Brothers to the Rescue, an incident that resulted in the deaths of four individuals. Unnamed officials within the Justice Department have indicated that the charges could be formally presented to a grand jury as early as next week, pending their approval.

This move is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing US pressure campaign against Cuba, which has included stringent sanctions and an oil blockade that has severely impacted the island’s fuel supply. The incident in question occurred on February 24, 1996, when the two small planes were shot down. At the time, Fidel Castro was president, and Raúl Castro served as the minister of armed forces. The group Brothers to the Rescue, comprised of Cuban exiles, had been engaged in operations searching for rafters and had previously dropped anti-Castro leaflets near the Cuban coast. While the Cuban government asserted that the planes violated its airspace, the International Civil Aviation Organization later determined the attack took place over international waters.

The potential legal action follows a recent announcement by Florida’s attorney general that the state was reopening its investigation into Raúl Castro’s alleged involvement in the shootdown. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly supported the prospective charges, describing them as “long overdue.” While Cuba has not issued an official statement regarding the reports, its Foreign Minister adopted a defiant stance, emphasizing Cuba’s commitment to its socialist development despite external pressures.

The development occurs concurrently with a visit by the Director of the CIA to Havana, where discussions were held with Cuban officials regarding economic and security matters. This engagement, however, is contingent on Cuba implementing fundamental changes. Analysts suggest that this potential indictment is part of a broader strategy to exert leverage on the Cuban government, with some warning that further destabilization could lead to a mass migration crisis for the United States.