U.S. Indicts Ex-Cuban President Raul Castro for 1996 Attack

A U.S. federal grand jury has indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes that killed four people, including three Americans.

The charges include conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.

- The indictment was announced by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at Miami's Freedom Tower. - Five other former senior Cuban officials are also charged.

- The attack led to the formal codification of the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

- The indictment comes amid a potential thaw in relations, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe meeting Cuban officials on May 14. The case marks a rare U.S.

move against a former foreign head of state.