Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

‘Sonic attacks’ in Cuba hit several Canadian diplomats, families: media

-

Mysterious "sonic attacks" in Cuba in recent months targeted at least five Canadian diplomats and their families, public broadcaster CBC reported Friday.

The incidents were first revealed at the beginning of August when Canadian and US officials said they had launched an investigation into the cause of diplomats' sudden hearing loss, migraines and nausea in Havana.

At the time, Ottawa confirmed that one of its envoys had been treated for the symptoms.

"More than five, but fewer than 10 Canadian families were affected by the attacks," CBC said Friday, citing an unnamed source.

In some cases, hospitalization was required, the public broadcaster said, adding that all of the Canadians have recovered from the initial symptoms.

The US State Department has said 16 Americans were affected in the "incidents," which appear to have begun in 2016.

"We are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and US diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana," Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Brianne Maxwell said last month.

The diplomats reported hearing loud grinding or ringing noises, or feeling vibrations in their bodies.

Canadian authorities said Cuban officials are not suspected and have been cooperating in the investigation.

In contrast to the long-thorny US-Cuban relationship, Ottawa and Havana have generally had warm relations.

Mysterious “sonic attacks” in Cuba in recent months targeted at least five Canadian diplomats and their families, public broadcaster CBC reported Friday.

The incidents were first revealed at the beginning of August when Canadian and US officials said they had launched an investigation into the cause of diplomats’ sudden hearing loss, migraines and nausea in Havana.

At the time, Ottawa confirmed that one of its envoys had been treated for the symptoms.

“More than five, but fewer than 10 Canadian families were affected by the attacks,” CBC said Friday, citing an unnamed source.

In some cases, hospitalization was required, the public broadcaster said, adding that all of the Canadians have recovered from the initial symptoms.

The US State Department has said 16 Americans were affected in the “incidents,” which appear to have begun in 2016.

“We are aware of unusual symptoms affecting Canadian and US diplomatic personnel and their families in Havana,” Canadian foreign ministry spokeswoman Brianne Maxwell said last month.

The diplomats reported hearing loud grinding or ringing noises, or feeling vibrations in their bodies.

Canadian authorities said Cuban officials are not suspected and have been cooperating in the investigation.

In contrast to the long-thorny US-Cuban relationship, Ottawa and Havana have generally had warm relations.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

World

The world's biggest economy grew 1.6 percent in the first quarter, the Commerce Department said.

Business

Electric cars from BYD, which topped Tesla as the world's top seller of EVs in last year's fourth quarter, await export at a Chinese...

World

NGOs allege the loan is financing the Suralaya coal plant, which is being expanded to ten units - Copyright AFP/File BAY ISMOYOGreen NGOs have...

World

Copyright POOL/AFP Mark SchiefelbeinShaun TANDONUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences “responsibly” as...