Raúl Castro celebrates his 95th birthday while still facing US charges related to a 1996 incident.

Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro celebrated his 95th birthday on Wednesday amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Havana and Washington. His whereabouts have remained unknown for two weeks, following his indictment by US authorities in a case dating back to 1996.

According to available information, the United States accuses the former Cuban Minister of Defense of involvement in the destruction of civilian aircraft piloted by a group of Cuban exiles nearly thirty years ago. This legal proceeding comes amid escalating tensions between the US administration and the Cuban government.

In Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel paid tribute to Raúl Castro early in the day. He praised the man he considers a mentor and father figure, highlighting his historic role in building the country and his lasting influence on Cuban politics.

In his message, the Cuban head of state described Raúl Castro's career as a long-term commitment to serving the nation. He referred to "the dreams of social justice of millions of human beings," suggesting that the former leader's political longevity was less a matter of chance than of a profound historical commitment.

A central figure in the Cuban revolution alongside his brother Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro played a key role in the guerrilla war that led to the overthrow, in 1959, of a regime supported by the United States. He subsequently held several major positions within the Cuban state apparatus, notably that of Minister of Defense.

The indictment announced by Washington marks a further escalation in the already severely strained relations between the two countries. It comes amid increased political and diplomatic pressure exerted by the United States on the island, while Havana regularly denounces what it considers a policy of interference.