Trump news at a glance: US indicts Raúl Castro, ratcheting up Cuba tensions
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- The United States issued a federal criminal indictment against Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, charging him with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder, and two counts of destruction of aircraft related to a 1996 incident involving the downing of humanitarian mission planes.
- Five others, including a Cuban fighter pilot involved in the 1996 shootdown in the Florida Straits that killed four men, were also indicted alongside Castro, who was Cuba's defense minister at the time and allegedly ordered the attack.
- President Trump stated there would be no escalation with Cuba following the indictment, suggesting the Cuban regime is weakening and losing control of the country.
- Despite denying plans for escalation, Trump hinted at potential US military influence over Cuba and other regions during a commencement speech, emphasizing a commitment to combating lawlessness and foreign encroachment.