The FBI has reportedly found no sign of sonic attacks on U.S. personnel in Cuba
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday on the "attacks on U.S. diplomats in Cuba," but senators can't even agree that some 24 U.S. diplomats were actually attacked. The FBI, which is investigating the mysterious symptoms reported by U.S. and some Canadian diplomatic staff in Cuba, said in a Jan. 4 report that it has found no evidence of sonic attacks, the initial theory to explain the concussion-like symptoms, The Associated Press reported Monday. Cuba insists there were no attacks.
In response to the mysterious incidents, President Trump recalled all nonessential U.S. personnel from Cuba and expelled 17 Cuban diplomats from Washington, arguing that Cuba could have prevented any attacks. Canada, as flummoxed as the U.S. by the incidents, has not recalled any embassy staff. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told AP he doesn't have any plans to send U.S. staff back to Havana until Cuba can assure their safety. "I'd be intentionally putting them back in harm's way. Why in the world would I do that when I have no means whatsoever to protect them?" Tillerson said. "I still believe that the Cuban government, someone within the Cuban government can bring this to an end."
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a Cuba critic who called Tuesday's hearing, tweeted that it's a "documented fact" U.S. personnel were "victims of some sort of sophisticated attack," but Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) disagreed. "There are some people with symptoms happening that are unexplained," said Flake, who favors closer U.S.-Cuba ties. "The Cubans bristle at the word 'attack.' I think they are justified at doing so. The FBI has said there is no evidence of an attack. We shouldn't be using that word."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A U.S. medical team examined the U.S. personnel in Cuba who reported symptoms, but the State Department has held up publication of their report, now slated for eventual release in The New England Journal of Medicine, The Miami Herald reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published