U.S. Moving to Indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, Sources Say

Updated on: May 15, 2026 / 8:29 AM EDT / CBS News

U.S. Moving to Indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, Sources Say

TL;DR

  • The U.S. is reportedly taking steps to indict Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes.
  • The potential indictment is expected to focus on Cuba's shootdown of two Cessnas operated by the humanitarian group, which killed four people.
  • This action is part of increased U.S. pressure on the Cuban government, including threats of tariffs and calls for major reforms.
  • The incident occurred in 1996, with Cuban officials claiming the planes violated airspace, while a report by the Organization of American States found they were shot down outside Cuban airspace without warning.
  • Gerardo Hernandez was convicted in the U.S. of murder conspiracy related to the incident and later sent to Cuba in a prisoner swap.