CIA chief Ratcliffe in Havana as Raul Castro indictment looms; Loomer posts 'Cuba is about to be liberated'

The indictment against Raul Castro is expected to be unsealed in Miami on May 20, and a separate event to honor victims is planned for that day.

The top federal prosecutor in Miami, Jason Reding Quiñones, is a Trump ally who is overseeing an investigation of John Brennan and a wider set of inquiries into Trump-related investigations.

The prosecutors' office in Miami will host an event on May 20 to honor victims of the 1996 incident.

A US Justice Department official said federal prosecutors expect to unseal an indictment against Castro on May 20, based on the 1996 incident.

The planned announcement of criminal charges against Raul Castro was first reported by the Miami Herald.

CIA chief John Ratcliffe delivered a message from Trump during a rare visit to Havana on Thursday that the US would engage with the government on economic and security issues only if it makes fundamental changes.

Raul Castro handed over leadership of Cuba's Communist Party in 2021.

Raul Castro stepped down as Cuba's president in 2018.

During 1996, Cuban jets shot down planes operated by a group of Cuban exiles; Raul Castro was defense minister at the time, and the incident is cited as the basis for potential charges.

President Diaz-Canel publicly accepts an offer of humanitarian aid in a social media post, following earlier comments blaming the blockade for Cuba’s energy hardships.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discusses the administration's stance on Cuba in a Fox News interview, asserting it may be difficult to change Cuba's trajectory while current leaders remain in charge.

Trump ally Laura Loomer posts on X declaring that Cuba is about to be liberated, reflecting ongoing U.S. political messaging surrounding Cuba.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel writes on X acknowledging the energy situation is particularly tense and blaming the United States for the blockade driving the energy crisis.

Cuba's Granma publishes a response asserting that the island does not harbor or support terrorist or extremist organizations, has no foreign military bases, and has not supported hostile actions against the United States.

Hours after Ratcliffe's visit, USA Today reports that the United States is moving to indict Raul Castro over the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, with potential drug trafficking charges discussed by sources.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe travels to Havana to convey a warning from President Trump. He meets Raul G Rodriguez Castro and Cuba’s interior minister and head of intelligence, delivering a demand that Cuba make fundamental changes and shut down listening posts run by Russia and China; the visit is described as a high-level exposure of U.S. stance.

Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy publicly states there is no fuel oil or diesel available and notes blackouts exceed 20 hours in Havana.

Cuba's energy supplies are disrupted as Venezuelan oil stops flowing entirely in January after the Trump administration seized Venezuela's leader, contributing to a worsening energy crisis.