US slashes diplomatic staff in Cuba after mysterious ‘attacks’

The United States said yesterday it is withdrawing more than half the personnel from its embassy in Cuba in response to mysterious attacks that have sickened diplomatic staffers, in a new blow to fragile relations between the former Cold War foes.

In announcing the move, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington would maintain relations with Havana – which were only fully restored in 2015, andwhichh ave deteriorated since President Donald Trump took office in January.

“Cuba has told us it will continue to investigate the sea ttacks and we will continue to cooperate with them in this effort,” Tillerson said in a statement. “We maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, and our work in Cuba continues to be guided by the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.”

The attacks of an ‘unknown nature’ have targeted at least 21 US Embassy staff in Havana over the past few months, Tillerson alleged.

Thoseaffectedh ave exhibited physical symptoms including ear complaints, hearing loss, dizziness, headache, fatigue, cognitive issues, and difficulty sleeping, he added.

Routine visa operations will be suspende di n de finit el y in response tot he attacks,a senior US State Department official said.

Cuba reacted by calling the US move hasty,and said it would affect bilateral relations. But it said it would help the US to resolve the situation.

US officials had previously told reporters they believed some kind of inaudible sound weapon was used on US staff either inside or outside their residences in Havana. Canadians in Cuba have also been affected, AFP reported this week. Questions linger over whether they areth eres ultoftarg et edattacks, sabotage, ora nac cid ent.

Washington has not accused Cuba of being behind the incidents, but has repeatedly warned that Havana is responsible for the safety of foreign envoys on its soil.