US Charges Former Cuban Leader Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Downing
The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others with conspiracy to murder US nationals, linking them to the 1996 downing of two planes. The indictment has drawn condemnation from Cuba, Russia, and China.
The United States has announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five other individuals, accusing them of conspiracy to murder US nationals. The indictment stems from the 1996 downing of two aircraft operated by the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue, which resulted in the deaths of four people, including three Americans. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has reportedly condemned the charges.
Following the announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized Cuba as a "national security threat" to the US, noting that while a diplomatic resolution is preferred, the likelihood of a peaceful agreement is "not high." The move has drawn international criticism, with both Russia and China condemning the US decision. China's foreign ministry called for an end to "coercion" and "threats" against its ally, while Russia's Kremlin stated the pressure on Havana "borders on violence." Sources: BBC News