US accuses Castro of murder as tensions with Trump over Cuba escalate
Raúl Castro (Photo: Getty Images)
The US Department of Justice has filed official murder charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro for the killing of US citizens. The US alleges that under his command, planes of the "Brothers to the Rescue" humanitarian mission were shot down 30 years ago, according to Al Jazeera.
The US Department of Justice alleges that Raúl Castro, who at the time headed Cuba's Ministry of Defense, personally participated in making the fateful decision. He was behind the order to attack two unarmed aircraft on February 24, 1996.
The indictment contains four counts of murder and two counts of destruction of aircraft. Along with the long-time Cuban leader, five other co-defendants are named in the case.
What is the case about
The "Brothers to the Rescue" humanitarian mission consisted of former Cubans who had managed to flee to the United States and obtain citizenship. They helped other compatriots leave the Island of Freedom.
That day, two small Cessna aircraft carrying four activists flew to Cuba to find rafts with Cubans and help them escape the Castro regime. However, the country's air defense and fighter jets shot down the planes.
The US claims that on Castro's orders, the planes were shot down in international waters, while Havana claims they were shot down in Cuban airspace.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges at the Freedom Tower in Miami. The location was chosen as a symbolic one for the Cuban diaspora.
"For nearly 30 years, the families of four murdered Americans have waited for justice," Blanche said.
He stressed that countries and their leaders cannot be allowed to kill Americans with impunity. The US will pursue the guilty, whoever they are.
"My message today is clear: The United States and President Trump does not and will not forget its citizens," the official added.
Will everything now follow the Maduro scenario?
Analysts conclude that this is entirely possible, as Washington has legal documents, similar to the case of the Venezuelan leader, whom the US accused of drug trafficking and then removed from Caracas.
In addition, the US Southern Command posted a promotional video on X hinting that American warships are very close to Cuba.
Welcome to the Caribbean, Nimitz Carrier Strike Group!
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) May 20, 2026
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) are the epitome of readiness and presence, unmatched reach and lethality, and strategic… pic.twitter.com/83mfzSIKzd
It is not yet clear what exactly Trump will do now, but analysts agree that this step lays the legal groundwork for overthrowing the communist government on the island.
What preceded the charges against Castro
The US is gradually pressuring Cuba to change its communist regime. For months now, the island has been under blockade and has been left without a drop of fuel.
As a result, the country is experiencing constant blackouts, garbage is not being collected, a liter of gasoline costs $8, and doctors are canceling surgeries. The population has shifted into a state of permanent protests.
In addition to the maritime blockade, which has led to massive blackouts and economic collapse, the US has imposed sanctions on Havana officials.
Furthermore, Washington has left Cuba without nickel. The Canadian mining company Sherritt, after Trump's demands, is leaving the Island of Freedom, dealing another blow to the country's economy.
In addition, the US has begun suspicious activity near Cuba — launching massive aerial reconnaissance. Analysts have already drawn parallels between this and events in Venezuela and Iran.
