The deadly plane attack at the centre of Castro's indictment
Summary
More than 30 years ago, Cuban military jets shot down two planes flown by Cuban exiles near Florida, killing four people. The attack is now part of criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and worsened U.S.-Cuba relations.Key Facts
- The attack occurred over 30 years ago when Cuban fighter jets shot down two civilian planes near Florida.
- Four people died in the attack, all except one were U.S. citizens.
- The planes were owned by Cuban exiles from Miami and part of a group called Brothers to the Rescue.
- Brothers to the Rescue initially searched for Cuban migrants at sea and dropped supplies but later flew over Cuban airspace dropping leaflets.
- Cuba called the group terrorists and claimed the flights threatened their security.
- Raúl Castro was Cuba’s armed forces minister at the time of the attack.
- The incident led the U.S. to increase sanctions on Cuba and stop talks between Cuba and U.S. President Bill Clinton’s government.
- Raúl Castro stepped down from Cuba’s presidency in 2021 but remains influential.
- Cuba is currently facing economic problems and shortages following pressure from the U.S. and loss of support from Venezuela.
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