Home » Medical

Cuba investigating hearing problem 'incident' at United States embassy

11 August, 2017, 00:08 | Author: Darrell Lopez
  • U.S. says two Cuban diplomats expelled after 'incidents' in Havana

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert linked "incidents which have caused a variety of physical symptoms" to the decision to expel two Cubans, but she did not directly blame the Cuban government for harming the Americans.

'We do not have definitive answers on the source or cause of the incidents'.

A senior federal law enforcement official tells NBC News that several U.S agencies are investigating allegations that the Cubans directed some kind of ultrasound energy at US diplomats which left several with damaged hearing. She did not describe the nature or cause of the symptoms, but said they started in 2016.

Officials, speaking under condition of anonymity, said an investigation revealed that the diplomats had been affected by a device emitting noises outside the range of audible sound.

The US says two Cuban diplomats have been expelled in response to "incidents" in Cuba, but the details remain mysterious.

One official told the Associated Press news agency that it could be potentially permanent hearing loss.

Towards the end of past year, USA diplomats began to suffer mysterious hearing loss, according to investigators.

Cuba's foreign ministry said it was investigating the allegations.




Investigators are exploring the possibility that another country, such as Russian Federation, carried out the attack without the Cuban government's knowledge.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that Cuba complies rigorously and seriously with all its obligations arising from the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations in connection with the protection and inviolability of diplomatic agents and the premises of diplomatic missions.

The Cuban government itself released a statement on Wednesday in which it denied any wrongdoing and said the expulsion of its diplomats was "unjustified and baseless". "We take those incidents very seriously and there is an investigation now underway".

"It is a cause of great concern for us", she said.

"The Cuban authorities established an interagency committee of experts for the analysis of the facts; extended and strengthened security and safety measures for headquarters, staff and diplomatic residences, and enabled new channels of direct communication between the Embassy and the Department of Diplomatic Security", the statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry said.

President Donald Trump, who made it clear he opposed the Obama administration's "détente" with the Castro regime during his 2016 campaign, had already scaled back many of his predecessor's diplomatic overtures. CNN quotes an unnamed official who stated, "We have worked with the Cubans to try and find out what is going on".

The U.S. Embassy building in Havana, shown in 2015.

Recommended:



Popular

Major Federal Climate Change Report Leaked
Alarmingly, the bulk of that change was made in the latter half of the 20th century, with a 1.2 degree increase since 1951. On the flip side, droughts and heat waves have been more common in other parts of the US , they add.

Overwatch Summer Games are Live and Have the Best Skins
For players who want even more than skins, there is a new Slam Dunk Pharah highlight intro and a Beach Ball Ana emote . This year, we're celebrating the spirit of competition with a new Lúcioball arena, leaderboards, and competitive play.

LeBron to be featured in upcoming 'Carpool Karaoke' series on Apple Music
The series was expected to debut on Apple Music earlier this year, but was apparently delayed , but not anymore. While Smith does a lot less music these days, he demonstrates he's as good a rapper as ever.

'Bachelorette' Rachel Reveals Whether Or Not She'll Take Bryan's Last Name
It's the actual episode itself that made no effort to make either Rachel or her eventual fiance Bryan look appealing. They go to the fantasy suite, and Bryan says, "I love you, I'm in love with you, and I want to be with you forever".

Taylor Swift's mum emotional as groping trial begins with opening statements
Former disc jockey David Mueller has acknowledged that a photo of him with his hand behind Taylor Swift is "weird and awkward". He also asked Mueller for a reason why Swift would make up her story, to which the former DJ responded, "I can not ".

Minnesota Governor calls Bloomington mosque blast 'act of terrorism'
The governor of Minnesota denounced an attack on a mosque the previous day as a "terrible, dastardly, cowardly" act of terrorism. The bomber appears to have thrown an improvised explosive device through the window of the imam's office at around 5:00 a.m.

Meteor Shower - Broadway | Tickets, Reviews, Info and More
As a result, Renee believes she's drop dead gorgeous, and she even gets promoted at work because of her newfound self-confidence. The play, directed by Jerry Zaks (" Hello, Dolly! ), is to begin previews November 1 and open November 29 at the Booth Theater ".

Manhunt underway after rookie officer in Missouri killed during traffic stop
Officer Michael is the first officer to die in the line of duty from his department, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page . The suspect is considered still armed an risky . "He has already made one killing and decided that's in his mindset", Lowe said.

Explosion on Lahore's Band Road leaves 32 injured
Investigators believe the truck was transporting the explosives somewhere else to be used in an act of terrorism. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has asked for a report from Capital City Police Officer Amin Wains.

Pakistan summons Indian deputy high commissioner over ceasefire violation
Pakistan and India had declared ceasefire in 2003 along the LoC, which divide both nuclear rivals in Kashmir. He said that Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire in the Baba Khori belt of Naushera sector.

Latest

Tendencies