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.
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.




