By Ayose Naranjo HAVANA, May 22 (Reuters) - Thousands of Cubans gathered on Friday morning before the U.S. embassy in Havana to protest a U.S. decision to indict former president Raul Castro in the downing of two civilian airplanes 30 years ago.

Raul Castro, the younger brother of Fidel Castro and the last surviving cast member of the Cuban revolution, relinquished power in 2021 but remains an influential figure in national politics.

Raul Castro is in the news after being indicted for his alleged role in the 1996 shoot down of two civilian aircraft.

The secretary of state is the son of immigrants who left Cuba before the Castro revolution to look for economic opportunities. Yet, he pursues change with the zeal of a political exile.

Cuba shared a pointed message to the United States Saturday, warning it had "full and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory," in an apparent attempt to deter a Maduro-style incursion to capture indicted Raul Castro.

Rep. Gimenez says Castro's indictment sparks regime paranoia, adding that Trump is letting pressure percolate while drawing up contingency plans.