The US prepares accusations against Raúl Castro for shooting down small planes in 1996

The Department of Justice is considering filing charges for the downing of two Hermanos al Rescate planes.

The United States Department of Justice is considering filing a formal accusation against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. The investigation focuses on his alleged responsibility in the downing of two civilian planes belonging to the Hermanos al Rescate organization, which occurred in 1996.

The events that marked the bilateral relationship

On February 24, 1996, Cuban military aircraft shot down two unarmed Cessna aircraft operated by the exile group. Four people lost their lives in the incident. A third plane, carrying the founder of the organization, managed to escape.

RelatedCuba admits secret dialogue with the US in the midst of crisis

Brothers to the Rescue was created in the 1980s by Cuban exiles in Miami. Its initial mission was to help migrants trying to cross the Strait of Florida. They carried out humanitarian flights to drop supplies and alert the US Coast Guard about boats with refugees. However, later they began to fly over areas close to Cuban airspace, which generated constant tensions with Havana.

The investigation in progress

According to information from The Associated Press, the possible accusation focuses on Castro’s role when he served as Cuba’s Defense Minister. He was then the second most powerful figure in the regime led by his brother, Fidel Castro.

This is not the first time that US authorities have tried to link Raúl Castro to federal crimes. In the 1990s he was also investigated for alleged ties to drug trafficking, although formal charges were never filed.

Years after the shootdown, Cuban pilots and a military officer were charged in the United States, but they were never arrested because they remain in Cuba.

Analysts consider that a possible accusation could once again strain diplomatic relations between both governments. It would open a new chapter in the prolonged political conflict between Cuba and the United States.

Europe registers more than 1,300 deaths due to heat waves

The head of the WHO warned that extreme heat has become an annual threat in Europe.

Heat waves in Europe: 1,300 excess deaths

Since June 21, Europe has recorded more than 1,300 excess deaths related to high temperatures. The director of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced the figure in his X account.

>”It is the fastest warming continent on Earth, at a rate that doubles the global average,” he stated.

In that context, he noted that 150 million people are suffering from extreme heat waves, often called “the silent killer.” He explained that European homes, workplaces and schools were not designed to withstand those temperatures.

“Driven by climate change and global warming, the phenomenon of heat waves – which previously occurred ‘once in a generation’ – now occurs almost annually. We had been warned,” he added.

The WHO indicated that it works with its Member States to address the threats of extreme heat, with emphasis on preparation, prevention and strengthening health systems.

>”We urge European countries to implement action plans on heat and health as part of a broader agenda to protect health in the face of climate change,” he said.

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Aftershock of 5.1 shakes La Guaira, Venezuela

A new tremor of magnitude 5.1 was felt in the area most affected by the earthquakes of June 24.

Replica of magnitude 5.1 in La Guaira

A new earthquake of magnitude 5.1 was recorded minutes ago in Venezuela, according to the Geological Service of Colombia. The epicenter was located near La Guaira, the state most affected by the earthquakes of June 24.

The aftershock—one of the most intense since then—was also felt in Macuto. There, rescue teams were working on a building where a woman and two of her three children were reportedly trapped. There were no injuries and firefighters managed to get out in time.

Rescue efforts without interruption

The magnitude of 5.1 represents a significant intensity, which generated alarm among the population. The authorities urged citizens to remain alert for possible new aftershocks.

Emergency teams continue with search and assistance tasks in the area. So far, there are no more people trapped and support is provided to those who require it.

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Six dead in shooting at youth center in Germany

Six people died at a youth welfare center in Stade, Germany. The alleged attacker was arrested.

Six dead in shooting at youth center in Germany

An armed confrontation at a youth welfare center in Stade, northern Germany, left six people dead on Monday. Authorities are investigating a possible custody dispute as the trigger. The alleged attacker was arrested.

Five people – four women and one man – lost their lives at the scene, police reported. A sixth victim, also an adult, later died at a hospital. All six were employees of the youth center or affiliated entities.

“The police are investigating the motive and the exact course of events under high pressure,” said Daniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior of Lower Saxony, at a press conference. He described the incident as an extremely violent crime, “apparently in a custody dispute.”

The shooting occurred on Dankerstrasse street, south of the center of Stade. The site includes temporary accommodation for pregnant women or young mothers with children. Several people were injured, some seriously, although the number or identities were not specified.

Detention and police measures

Authorities detained a main suspect; Two other people are under investigation for possible involvement. The police did not provide further details. Video footage showed a large police and ambulance deployment on a residential street.

Germany has more restrictive gun laws than the United States, and mass shootings are rare, although they do occur. Vitali Mertens, a resident across the street from the center, said he heard gunshots and the entire area was immediately cordoned off.

Stade, with about 50,000 inhabitants, is located 40 kilometers from Hamburg.

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