Caracas:The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) on Wednesday condemned an arrest warrant issued in the US state of Florida against former Cuban President Raul Castro, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the Cuban leader.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the PSUV expressed solidarity with Cuba and rejected the warrant, arguing that it lacked a legal basis and violated international law and Cuban sovereignty.

The party called on Latin American and Caribbean countries to support Cuba, linking the case to broader US pressure on Havana. It highlighted that the US economic embargo against Cuba has intensified since January, increasing pressure on the Cuban population. The PSUV reiterated its support for Cuba's independence and the right of its people to self-determination.

The arrest warrant pertains to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based Cuban exile group, which resulted in the deaths of four people. At the time, Castro was Cuba's Defense Minister, and US authorities allege that he played a role in authorizing the attack. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that the state would seek accountability for the deaths, and the warrant could lead to Castro's arrest in jurisdictions willing to extradite him to Florida.

Cuba has maintained that the aircraft entered its airspace, while the International Civil Aviation Organization concluded that they were above international waters when shot down. This situation has further strained relations between Washington and Havana, adding to ongoing tensions over sanctions and pressure on Cuba.