02 September, 2017
"This latest attack is regrettably only the latest example of the many threats facing members of the foreign service as they serve their country overseas", the staff association said.
The group added that it "strongly encourages the Department of State and the U.S. government to do everything possible to provide appropriate care for those affected, and to work to ensure that these incidents cease and are not repeated".
Some of the diplomats hurt in a mystery "sonic harassment attack" on the U.S. embassy in Cuba suffered brain injuries or permanent hearing loss, their staff association said Friday. The injuries occurred while the Americans were serving at the U.S. Embassy in Havana and living in housing provided by the Cuban government.
Washington, Sep 2 Mysterious health attacks on the American diplomatic community in Cuba continued as recently as August, the United States said today, despite earlier U.S. assessments that the attacks had long stopped.
At least 16 Americans have been affected, according to State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, who described the situation as "unprecedented".
But US officials made no public complaint until just last month when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that Cuba must help investigate and prevent further attacks. The health concerns date to late 2016 but were revealed only when the State Department said in August that it had expelled two Cuban diplomats as a rebuke to the Cuban government.
"We're not assigning responsibility at this point".
Permanent hearing loss has also been diagnosed, and the American Foreign Service Association said additional symptoms had included brain swelling, severe headaches, loss of balance and "cognitive disruption". The State Department said that the move was not a form of retaliation or a sign that the USA believes Cuba is behind the attack but rather to punish Cuba for its failure to keep American diplomats safe - something it is obligated to do under an worldwide treaty known as the Vienna Convention.
Both the FBI and Cuban authorities are now conducting an investigation into the alleged sonic attacks, which reportedly took place late 2016.
Intense surveillance of US diplomats in Cuba is routine, and low-level harassment such as the vandalizing of homes and cars used to be common.
Sources have told ABC News that some US officials were exposed to a sonic device in Havana that caused serious health problems and physical symptoms.
CNN reported that more than 10 people were affected by the attack, including some family members of U.S. diplomats, and five Canadians.
