Don’t go to Cuba, US tells tourists after ‘sonic attacks’

THE US has advised Americans not to visit Cuba after mysterious ‘ sonic attacks’ on its diplomats.

It has also ordered more than half of its embassy staff in the capital Havana to leave the island.

At least 21 US diplomats as well as others from Canada have reported symptoms ranging from nausea and nose bleeds to concussion, memory loss and permanent hearing damage. Many say the symptoms occurred after they heard unpleasant ringing, screeching or scraping noises that appeared to have been targeted specifically at them, mostly in their homes.

Almost a year after diplomats began describing the unexplained health problems, US investigators remain flummoxed, but the State Department said it was convinced they were targeted attacks on American diplomats.

In a travel warning yesterday that could alarm the 155,000 British visitors to the island each year, US officials warned American tourists some of the attacks occurred in a hotel popular with foreigners.

The US has already expelled two Cuban diplomats over the issue but officials said it was considering demands by some senators to throw out all of them. Washington has not yet specifically blamed the Cuban regime, which has denied all responsibility for the injuries to the diplomats.

Intelligence experts have speculated that the culprit could be a faction in the government, possibly including Cuban intelligence, determined to ruin closer ties with America after decades of hostility.