U.S. Plans Indictment of Former Cuban Leader Raul Castro Over 1996 Plane Incident
The United States is reportedly planning to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of planes operated by the anti-Castro humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. This move is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to increase pressure on Cuba's communist government. The potential charges against the 94-year-old Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel as president, would need to be approved by a grand jury. The reports of the planned indictment emerged shortly after a U.S. delegation, led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, met with Cuban officials in Havana. During the meeting, the U.S. offered $100 million in humanitarian aid contingent upon Cuba agreeing to 'meaningful reforms.' The U.S. has also implemented a blockade that has severely restricted fuel supplies to Cuba, exacerbating the island's energy crisis. 
