May 20, 2026 1:54 PM EDT
A group founded by Cuban exiles known as Brothers to the Rescue is at the center of the U.S. Justice Department's decision to seek an indictment against Cuban leader Raúl Castro, a move that would revive one of the lowest points in the two countries' bitter decadeslong relationship.
WATCH LIVE: U.S. announces indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro
Before the indictment was announced Wednesday, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that it was connected to Castro's alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by the Miami-based exile group. Castro was defense minister at the time, making him the nation's highest authority after his brother Fidel.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation.
