Tensions Rise: Former Cuban President Raúl Castro Indicted in the U.S.

Tensions between Cuba and the United States are escalating. CNN reported today (Wednesday) that the U.S. Department of Justice has announced an indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The indictment alleges that Castro, now 94, the brother of Fidel Castro, the first leader of communist Cuba, was involved about 30 years ago, while serving as defense minister in his brother’s regime, in the downing of two planes belonging to the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue ("Brothers to the Rescue").

Four people were killed in the attack, three of them Americans. The strike was carried out by two Cuban MiG aircraft in international airspace. The announcement of the indictment was made at a press conference in Miami, during a memorial ceremony for the victims.

It should be noted that tensions between the U.S. and Cuba are at their highest point in years, against the backdrop of intelligence reports indicating that Cuba has acquired hundreds of drones and received military advisers from Iran. In the U.S., there are concerns that the Cuban military may attack an American base located on the Cuban island, in a small area under U.S. control. Cuba, for its part, accuses the U.S. of deliberate escalation as part of a plan to invade the island and seize power.

It should also be noted that for years the U.S. has claimed that the Cuban regime received money from Colombian cartel leaders in exchange for helping smuggle drugs into the United States and protecting the movement of smugglers’ boats in the waters separating Cuba and the U.S.

In addition, Cuba provided significant assistance to the regime in Venezuela led by Nicolás Maduro, who is under arrest in the U.S. A Cuban military force even served as Maduro’s bodyguards.