The US Department of Justice has announced the indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with the downing of two civilian US planes by Cuban fighter jets in 1996. The incident killed four members of the Miami-based humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.

The indictment, filed in a federal court in Miami, charges Castro with one count of conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder, and two counts of destruction of aircraft. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the indictment proves the US "does not and will not forget its citizens."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a Spanish-language video, accused Cuba's communist party leadership of theft, corruption, and oppression. He offered Cubans a "new path" with real opportunities to choose their government and replace leaders who fail to perform.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez dismissed Rubio's statement as "superficial and misinformed." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged the US regime to lift its de facto oil blockade, calling the sanctions "immoral, illegal, and criminal."

The US regime has imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba, sparking an energy crisis, alongside a decades-long trade embargo. Tensions have further escalated amid reports of Cuba's deal to purchase over 300 drones from Russia and Iran.

Source: www.dw.com