HAVANA — A US indictment against Cuban Revolution leader Raul Castro over the downing of two aircraft nearly 30 years ago has drawn strong criticism in Cuba, where officials see the move as politically motivated and part of Washington's broader pressure campaign against Havana.

The indictment marks one of the sharpest escalations in tensions between Washington and Havana.

The United States government has indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with the horrific downing of two American civilian planes 30 years ago, officials…