Havana — Raúl Castro made his first public appearance since the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed charges accusing him of involvement in a 1996 aircraft shoot-down, according to state television reports.
The former Cuban leader appeared Friday during an Interior Ministry celebration in Havana, marking his first appearance since the indictment was announced. The charges include conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder related to the incident.
The indictment centers on the downing of two planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based exile organization, near Cuban airspace in February 1996. Four men were killed in the attack, including Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. Prosecutors allege the Cuban military aircraft were responsible for shooting down the unarmed civilian planes.
The charges come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with the Trump administration previously praising the indictment and suggesting possible regime change. President Donald Trump highlighted the case during a speech, stating that many Cubans had waited decades for accountability.
Castro, who turned 95 on Wednesday, was last seen publicly during May Day celebrations in Havana. Prior to that, he had remained largely out of view for months, only appearing at a January ceremony honoring Cuban soldiers involved in the 2019 U.S. military operation that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s supporters.
The indictment and the renewed focus on Cuba’s past actions have drawn comparisons to U.S. efforts against Maduro, though experts suggest direct action against Castro may be unlikely due to his age. Still, analysts say the charges symbolize ongoing U.S. efforts to challenge the Cuban regime.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
