The Raul Castro could soon face criminal charges in the United States as officials reportedly prepare a potential indictment connected to the downing of aircraft linked to a decades-old international dispute.

A U.S. Department of Justice official said late Thursday that American authorities are planning to indict the 94-year-old former Cuban president, who succeeded his brother Fidel Castro as the leader of Cuba.

According to the official, the potential indictment is expected to focus on allegations related to the destruction of aircraft, though specific legal details have not yet been publicly disclosed.

The timing of the indictment remains uncertain because the charges would still require approval from a grand jury before formally proceeding. However, the Justice Department official indicated that the move appears to be imminent.

Raul Castro served as Cuba’s president from 2008 to 2018 after decades of holding senior military and political positions within the communist government established by Fidel Castro following the Cuban Revolution.

The reported legal move could significantly increase tensions between the United States and Cuba, whose diplomatic relationship has remained complicated for decades due to political disputes, sanctions, and historical conflicts.

Neither Cuban authorities nor representatives for Raul Castro immediately commented on the reported plans for indictment.

Legal analysts say any prosecution involving a former foreign head of state would likely attract major international attention and could carry both political and diplomatic consequences.

Further details regarding the possible charges and timeline are expected as U.S. authorities continue the legal process.