The United States is planning to prosecute former Cuban President Raul Castro, as Washington intensifies pressure on the communist government of the island nation.
On May 15, multiple U.S. media outlets reported potential charges against 94-year-old Raul Castro, brother of the late leader Fidel Castro, linked to the 1996 incident in which Cuba shot down a plane operated by the anti-Castro humanitarian group "Brothers to the Rescue."
The move comes as the U.S. imposes a blockade, cutting off nearly all fuel supplies to Cuba. President Donald Trump's administration, after praising the campaign to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, is now pushing for regime change in Cuba.
Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother as president, remains the most powerful figure in the country. Any indictment would need approval from a grand jury.
This news emerged hours after a U.S. delegation led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana, where he offered $100 million in humanitarian aid on condition the Cuban government agreed to "meaningful reforms."
Escalation
Prosecuting Raul Castro would mark a significant escalation in the U.S.-Cuba crisis, which has deteriorated since Trump began his second term in 2025.
Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to overthrow Cuba's communist government, warning that Cuba is "next" after the U.S. military abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The U.S. president first cut the flow of money and fuel from Venezuela to Cuba in January. He then threatened heavy tariffs on any country supplying oil to Havana, effectively enforcing a fuel blockade.
Since then, the nation of 11 million people has faced severe fuel shortages and blackouts. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy warned on May 15 that the country had completely run out of diesel and fuel oil.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are considering potential criminal charges against senior Cuban officials, including those allegedly involved in the 1996 plane shootdown.
According to Reuters, these efforts are being led by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.
