US Moves Toward Indictment of Raul Castro as Cuba Holds Rare Contact With CIA Chief

Mintesinot Niggusie

A US Department of Justice official said the United States plans to indict former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, in a move that could further strain already tense relations with Havana.

The case is being handled through efforts overseen by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, which has been examining potential criminal charges against senior Cuban officials, according to US officials familiar with the matter.

The planned indictment comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump continues to apply pressure on Cuba’s government. US measures targeting fuel supplies to Cuba have contributed to worsening energy shortages on the island, triggering widespread power outages.

Despite that breakdown in talks, Cuban authorities confirmed they met earlier this week with CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A CIA official said Ratcliffe told Cuban intelligence officials that the United States was prepared to engage on economic and security issues if Havana implemented "fundamental changes."

The latest developments come against a backdrop of sustained political and economic pressure between the two countries, with long-standing disputes over governance, sanctions and security continuing to define bilateral relations.