Former Cuban President Fidel Castro is reportedly accusing Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Israel of conspiring to create the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
In a column written for Cuban state media, the former communist leader attacked McCain as Israel’s “most unconditional ally.”
Castro, 88, alleged McCain “together with [Mossad, conspired] in the creation of the Islamic State, which today controls a considerable and vital portion of Iraq and reportedly one-third of Syria as well.”
His remarks were translated into English by Kremlin-backed news outlet Russia Today. Late Wednesday, McCain joked about the accusation on Twitter.
{mosads}“Congrats Fidel Castro, you have revealed my true secret role in shaping world events!” McCain tweeted.
“First I was sanctioned by Vladimir Putin then #ISIS labeled me ‘the enemy,’ now Fidel Castro! Who’s next?!”
Castro also took a shot at NATO and western governments for their attitudes toward Russia.
“Many people are astonished when they hear the statements made by some European spokesmen for NATO when they speak with the style and face of the Nazi SS,” Castro wrote.
“Adolf Hitler’s greed-based empire went down in history with no more glory than the encouragement provided to NATO’s aggressive and bourgeois governments, which makes them the laughing stock of Europe and the world.”
Castro stepped down as president of Cuba in 2008 and the leader of the nation’s community party in 2011. His brother, Raúl Castro, succeeded him in both positions.