CIA Chief Visits Cuba as US Pushes Indictment of Raúl Castro

Cuba faces rolling blackouts of up to 22 hours a day after fuel imports collapsed earlier this year. CIA Director John Ratcliffe arrived in Havana on May 14 to deliver a direct message from President Trump: the United States will expand economic and security cooperation only if Cuba enacts fundamental reforms.

Ratcliffe met Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former president Raúl Castro and a senior Interior Ministry official, along with the interior minister and the head of Cuban intelligence. Both governments confirmed the talks covered intelligence sharing, regional security, and economic stability. A Cuban statement described the session as occurring against a backdrop of complex bilateral relations. US officials said Cuba cannot remain a safe haven for adversaries in the hemisphere.

The visit coincided with reports that the Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment of 94-year-old Raúl Castro for his role in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Four people died. Any charges would require grand-jury approval. The planes were searching for rafters in the Florida Straits when Cuban MiGs shot them down.

The United States has imposed tariffs on third countries that ship oil to Cuba, sharply reducing supplies that once came from Venezuela. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stated this week that the country has exhausted its diesel and fuel-oil reserves. US officials have offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and satellite-internet support, contingent on Cuban acceptance. Cuban authorities have rejected similar past offers.

The two governments also differ over Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Cuban officials insist the island poses no threat to US security. Ratcliffe’s trip marks one of the rare direct visits by a sitting CIA director since 1959.