The story of the 1996 shootdown that could lead to Raúl Castro's indictment
The 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes by a Cuban fighter jet is now central to a potential federal indictment against Raúl Castro. This incident, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, is part of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the Castro regime. The case highlights the complex history of U.S.-Cuba relations and the actions of the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue.
- ▪In February 1996, three planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by a Cuban fighter jet, killing four people.
- ▪Raúl Castro, the former leader of Cuba, is facing a potential indictment related to this incident as part of U.S. efforts to increase pressure on Cuba.
- ▪Brothers to the Rescue was founded by José Basulto, who aimed to assist Cubans fleeing the island and oppose the Castro government.
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Politics The story of the 1996 shootdown that could lead to Raúl Castro's indictment By Joe Walsh Joe Walsh Senior Editor, Politics Joe Walsh is a senior editor for digital politics at CBS News. Joe previously covered breaking news for Forbes and local news in Boston. Read Full Bio Joe Walsh May 18, 2026 / 6:44 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google In February 1996, three small civilian planes took off from a Miami-area airport, operated by a Cuban exile group that searched for people seeking to flee the island nation in rafts. Two of the planes were shot down by a Cuban fighter jet, killing four people.Now, 30 years later, the deadly shootdown appears to be the focus of a potential federal criminal case against one of the most powerful figures in Cuba.The U.S.
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