Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro appeared publicly in Havana days after facing U.S. murder charges related to the 1996 downing of an aircraft. Cuban state television showed Castro attending an Interior Ministry celebration in Havana on Friday, Reuters reported. This appearance marks his first public sighting since U.S. authorities unsealed charges against him last month.

Castro, who turned 95 on Wednesday, had last been seen publicly during May Day events in Havana. Before that, he appeared at a Jan. 15 ceremony honoring Cuban soldiers killed during the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The former Cuban president and defense minister was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department on May 20 over the aircraft incident.

The indictment comes amid increasingly aggressive rhetoric from Washington toward Havana. Former national security adviser John Bolton pointed to the charges and CIA Director John Ratcliffe's recent visit to Havana as signs the administration is tightening pressure on the Cuban government. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly hinted at stronger action against Cuba in recent months.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio further fueled speculation in late March when asked whether the administration supports regime change in Cuba, responding simply: "Yes." The downing of the aircraft by Cuban military jets over international waters killed four people, including three U.S. citizens.