Cuban-American attorney Willy Allen expressed confidence on Wednesday through CiberCuba that the Pentagon likely has a tactical team prepared to physically apprehend Raúl Castro in Cuba. This speculation arises following a formal indictment issued on May 20 by the Department of Justice, accusing the former dictator of the 1996 downing of the Brothers to the Rescue aircraft.
In a candid interview with Tania Costa, Allen stated, "At this moment, tonight, there might be an American tactical team en route to capture Raúl in Havana."
Allen's conjecture is fueled by rumors of U.S. military surveillance over Cuba employing satellites and drones, alongside the logic that an active federal arrest warrant necessitates strategic planning by the military.
"I imagine that somewhere in the Pentagon, a tactical team has already assessed how to proceed, where they believe Raúl is located, and the best approach to capture him, including entry and exit strategies," Allen elaborated.
Nonetheless, Allen acknowledged that the existence of a plan doesn't ensure its execution. "The real question is when or if they will execute it. That’s the current challenge."
Complexities of a Military Operation in Cuba
Allen cautioned that a military operation in Cuba would be significantly more challenging than the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, due to the lack of internal collaborators in Havana akin to those who facilitated the January 3 operation. "I don’t believe we have a Delcy Rodríguez in Havana. Nor do we have a Diosdado (Cabello) there," he remarked.
The indictment against Raúl Castro, announced on May 20 at Miami's Freedom Tower, includes charges of four homicides, destruction of civilian aircraft, and conspiracy to commit murder, all of which carry the possibility of the death penalty under U.S. Federal Court. The victims of the February 24, 1996, shootdown were Armando Alejandre, Mario de la Peña, Carlos Costa, and Pablo Morales.
A Personal and Historical Perspective
Adding a personal note, Allen reflected on his family’s suffering—nephews killed at Playa Girón, in-laws imprisoned—to highlight decades of Cuban anguish contrasted with the regime leaders' apparent calm. "I suspect that these Cuban figures have always slept soundly, but tonight might be different," he suggested.
Allen also pointed to the symbolic significance of the indictment date. "On May 20, 1902, the American government handed over the governance of Cuba to the Cubans. On May 20, 2026, the American government accused Raúl Castro of murder. I see this as a positive development," he stated.
Last April, outlets like USA Today reported that the Pentagon had been considering military options for Cuba should President Trump decide to intervene, although these reports were never officially confirmed.
Allen concluded with a reflection on the historical gravity of the situation. "I hope that those who have caused so much harm do not die peacefully in their beds. They should know there are consequences for the crimes they committed," he asserted.
Potential U.S. Military Action in Cuba: Key Questions
What prompted the Pentagon to consider capturing Raúl Castro?
The Pentagon's consideration stems from a formal indictment by the Department of Justice against Raúl Castro for his involvement in the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes, coupled with U.S. military surveillance rumors.
How does the potential capture of Raúl Castro compare to the operation in Venezuela?
Capturing Raúl Castro in Cuba is seen as more complex than the operation in Venezuela due to the absence of internal collaborators in Havana who could facilitate such an action.
What charges have been filed against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges including four counts of homicide, destruction of civilian aircraft, and conspiracy to commit murder, all of which could lead to the death penalty in a U.S. Federal Court.