World News

Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro reappears publicly at military event

Cuban state television broadcast footage of the 95-year-old former president following unverified rumors of grave illness.

Updated Sep 6, 2026 · 19:18 UTC3 reports

The short version

Cuban state television aired over 10 minutes of footage showing 95-year-old former President Raúl Castro in uniform at an official military ceremony.[ABC News · Associated Press]
The appearance followed unconfirmed reports and speculation that Castro had recently been hospitalized with a grave illness.[CBS News]
President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised Castro on social media while noting the 65th anniversary of the Personal Security Directorate.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Castro's public appearance comes after the U.S. Department of Justice filed murder charges against him in June over a 1996 aircraft shootdown.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro reappeared at a military event celebrating the anniversary of the Personal Security Directorate.[ABC News · Associated Press]
State television aired over 10 minutes of footage showing the 95-year-old Castro wearing a military uniform alongside his grandson Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro.[ABC News · Associated Press]
President Miguel Díaz-Canel posted on X noting the 65th anniversary of the Personal Security Directorate and acknowledging Castro's participation.[ABC News · Associated Press]
In June, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Raúl Castro with murder over the 1996 downing of light aircraft belonging to an anti-Castro organization.[ABC News · Associated Press]

The Cuban government did not confirm media reports from a Miami-based outlet alleging Castro had been hospitalized for a serious illness.[CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.