The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban president Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told AP yesterday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island.

One source said the potential indictment is linked to Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shoot-down of four planes operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro was defence minister at the time.

All three people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss an ongoing investigation. The Cuban government did not respond to a request for comment on the potential indictment, which was first reported by CBS.