The US Department of Justice has indicted Raúl Castro, the former president of Cuba, for his alleged role in the 1996 shooting down of two civilian planes, resulting in four deaths. This action coincides with increasing US pressure on Cuba to reform its government amid worsening humanitarian conditions on the island.

• 01Raúl Castro, aged 94, was the defense minister during the 1996 incident where Cuban military shot down two civilian planes, killing four individuals, including three US citizens.
• 02The indictment is seen as part of a broader strategy by the US to address the Cuban government's human rights record and push for regime change.
• 03Cuba is currently facing severe economic challenges, exacerbated by a US blockade and the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela.
• 04US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have publicly condemned the Cuban government and expressed support for the Cuban people.
• 05The indictment reflects the ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba, which have persisted since the Cuban revolution in 1959.

The indictment could influence US policy towards Cuba, potentially leading to increased support for opposition forces and calls for regime change.