US to pull out of Cuba after ‘sonic attacks’ on diplomats
AMERICA is pulling staff out of its Cuban embassy due to the mystery “sonic attacks” on its diplomats.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday ordered all non-essential workers to be moved out, with Americans warned against travelling there.
It is a blow to delicate ties between the countries and comes almost a year after diplomats in the capital began highlighting serious health issues.
Some 21 workers and their families have been affected by what may have been as many as 50 attacks from a “sophisticated device” which has targeted their homes and hotels.
Victims have suffered everything from ear complaints and dizziness to fatigue and brain injury. It’s believed Canadian officials were also hit. Mr Tillerson said: “The decision to reduce our presence in Havana was made to ensure the safety of personnel. We maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba.”
He confirmed that the Cuban leadership is probing the attacks, while the US will also “continue to aggressively investigate [them].” The embassy will lose roughly 60% of its US staff, with only “emergency personnel” staying.
Mr Tillerson had considered a full embassy shutdown, officials said.
Cuba’s government has offered the FBI unprecedented access to the country for its probe and insisted it “has never perpetrated attacks of any kind against diplomats”.