By Suleman Chitera

The arrival of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the southern Caribbean has intensified already rising tensions between the United States and Cuba after the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed murder charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.BMTV alleges Trump not happy with Chakwera’s leadership

The indictment accuses the 94-year-old Cuban revolutionary leader of involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by the Miami-based humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, an incident that killed four people, including three Americans. U.S. prosecutors filed charges including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, murder, and destruction of aircraft.

At the same time, the U.S. military confirmed that the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group had entered Caribbean waters as part of Southern Command operations. The deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the destroyer USS Gridley, and support vessels.Trump Signals Possible U.S. Exit from NATO Amid Iran Tensions

President Donald Trump has repeatedly increased pressure on Cuba since returning to office, including new sanctions and a fuel blockade imposed earlier this year. Cuban officials say the measures have worsened nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages, and economic hardship across the island.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío warned that the charges against Castro could serve as a pretext for future military action.Trump defends Bolsonaro amid trial, labels proceedings a “Witch Hunt”

“This accusation carries an additional threat, given the well-known, dark practice of the United States using accusations like this to take military action against sovereign states,” Fernández de Cossío said during an appearance on Cuban state television.

He compared the case to previous U.S. actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and warned that any attempt to intervene militarily in Cuba would face “fierce resistance from the Cuban people.”US “Negotiating With Itself” — Iran Dismisses Trump’s Claims of Peace Talks

While U.S. officials insist the naval deployment is intended as a show of force rather than preparation for direct combat operations, analysts say the timing of the carrier group’s arrival alongside the indictment has fueled speculation about Washington’s broader strategy toward Havana.China-Iran Military Ties Raise Global Tensions Amid Warnings from Donald Trump