The Trump administration has ​accused the former defence minister of ordering ​Cuban military jets to shoot down planes operated by a group of Cuban exiles ​in 1996, a major escalation in ​Washington’s pressure campaign against the island’s communist government.

‌Castro, ⁠who turned 95 on Wednesday, was last seen in public a month ago during May 1 festivities in Havana, ​just prior ​to ⁠his indictment.

He had previously not been seen since ​January 15, when he appeared ​in ⁠a public ceremony in the capital paying homage to the 32 Cuban ⁠soldiers ​killed during the capture ​of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.