00:02New developments this morning as the U.S. is preparing to take a major step against one of Cuba's most
00:08powerful figures.
00:09The Justice Department and the FBI are expected to announce criminal charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro,
00:17the brother of longtime Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
00:20Reports say U.S. officials plan to accuse Cuba's leadership of ordering the shootdown of civilian planes in 1996.
00:27The two brothers-to-the-rescue aircraft had departed from Florida and were part of a group that flew missions
00:34supporting Cubans trying to leave the island.
00:37The Cuban Air Force shot down both planes over international waters, killing four Cuban Americans.
00:43NBC News reports a grand jury has already returned an indictment, though the specific charges have not been made public.
00:49Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is expected to take part in today's announcement in Miami, home to one of the
00:56country's largest Cuban-American communities.
00:58The case surfaces as the United States continues to increase pressure on Cuba's government.
01:04The island has faced deep economic struggles, including fuel shortages, repeated blackouts, and growing poverty.
01:10Just last week, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Cuba and met with officials from the country's Interior Ministry,
01:17where he said the U.S. was prepared to engage in security and economic issues.
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