Three Decades Later: U.S. Comes for Raúl Castro Over Cold Case Killings

The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft that killed four people, including three Americans.

U.S. prosecutors announced the charges in Miami, describing the move as part of efforts to seek justice nearly 30 years after the incident.

The case centers on two aircraft operated by the Florida-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue, which Cuba shot down in February 1996. U.S. officials say the planes were flying outside Cuban airspace at the time, while Cuba continues to insist they had entered its territory.

Prosecutors allege Raúl Castro, who served as Cuba’s defense minister at the time, approved military action against the planes. He now faces conspiracy and murder-related charges.

Cuba has strongly rejected the allegations, calling the indictment illegal and accusing the U.S. of increasing pressure on the island nation.

Although the charges have been filed, it remains unclear whether Castro, now 94, will ever face trial since Cuba does not extradite citizens to the United States.