Florida Reopens Investigation into 1996 Downing of Brothers to the Rescue Planes

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the reactivation of a state investigation into the deaths of four pilots from the organization Brothers to the Rescue, who were shot down by the Cuban military approximately 30 years ago [1].

The 1996 Incident

On February 24, 1996, Mario de la Peña Jr., Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, and Armando Alejandre were flying two unarmed Cessna 337 Skymaster light aircraft when they were shot down by Cuban Air Force jets [1]. The incident occurred in international airspace.

Reactivated Investigation

Uthmeier stated that a file on the case was initially opened at the state level several years ago to investigate potential state crimes [1]. The investigation was ongoing as of Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Federal Collaboration and Calls for Indictment

Uthmeier highlighted a “great working relationship” between the state and federal governments under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump [1]. U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar, along with U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, have recently urged President Trump to seek an indictment of Raúl Castro for allegedly ordering the downing of the planes [1].

Brothers to the Rescue

Brothers to the Rescue is a Miami-based organization formed by Cuban exiles. The group is known for its opposition to the Cuban government and, according to its own description, aims to assist and rescue raft refugees emigrating from Cuba and to support efforts towards a non-violent transition of power [2]. The organization was founded in May 1991 [2]. José Basulto, the head of the organization, has claimed to be a former CIA operative [2].

30th Anniversary Commemoration

During a ceremony at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on the 30th anniversary of the incident, survivors José Basulto and Sylvia Iriondo also called for Castro’s indictment [1]. The event marked the departure of three planes on February 24, 1996, with only one returning.

Cuban Government Response

The Cuban government has accused Brothers to the Rescue of involvement in terrorist acts and infiltrated the group [2]. Following the 1996 incident, Cuba defended its actions, claiming the planes were attempting to destabilize the government. The Cuban military operation against Brothers to the Rescue was codenamed “Operation Scorpion” [2].