White House, China, And Cuba Are Denying Reports That China Is Seeking A Spy Base In Cuba

 

Bloomberg: White House denies report that China is building a spy base on Cuba 

The Wall Street Journal reported that China and Cuba had struck a multi-billion dollar secret agreement to establish a spy facility on the island 

The White House pushed back on a report that the Chinese government cut a deal with Cuba to set up a spy base on the island that would target U.S. military bases and communications. 

“I’ve seen that press report. It’s not accurate,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in an interview on MSNBC, without specifying if the report was false in its entirety.  

Read more .... 

White House, China, And Cuba Are Denying Reports That China Is Seeking A Spy Base In Cuba  

Cuban, US governments deny secret Chinese spy base in Cuba -- DW  

Pentagon and White House deny reports that China plans to build spy station in Cuba -- NYPost  

China to build spy base in Cuba, WSJ says; US casts doubt on report -- Reuters  

White House Denies Report China Seeking Spy Base In Cuba, But Menendez Demands Answers -- Zero Hedge  

China: 'Hacker Empire' US Is 'Spreading Rumours' With Talk of Cuba Spy Station -- Reuters 

China calls US the ‘most powerful hacker empire’ as it denies deal to set up Cuba spy station -- The Independent

U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Cuban Officials Over Protest Crackdown

 

 CNBC: U.S. sanctions Cuban officials over crackdown on protests as Biden warns: ‘This is just the beginning’ 

* The Biden administration imposed sanctions on Cuba’s defense minister and the communist nation’s special forces brigade for the repression of peaceful protests that broke out on the island last week. 

* Last week, thousands of protestors filled the streets over frustrations with a crippled economy hit by food and power shortages.

* President Biden warned Cuba’s government that “this is just the beginning.” 

WASHINGTON – The United States imposed sanctions on Cuba’s defense minister and the communist nation’s special forces brigade for the repression of peaceful protests that broke out on the island last week. 

The sanctions mark the first steps by the Biden administration to apply pressure on the Cuban government as Washington faces calls to show greater support for the protesters. 

President Joe Biden warned the Cuban government that there will be more to come. “This is just the beginning – the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people,” the president said in a statement Thursday. 

Previously, Biden said the U.S. stands “firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights.”  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: If the internet can be restored without the Cuban government jamming the signals, I say this will be far more effective than imposing sanctions on some Cuban officials .... DeSantis calls on the president to provide internet to Cuba instead of 'doing nothing' and Marco Rubio brands Biden administration officials 'sympathizers' of the 'evil regime' at Sean Hannity's town hall in Miami (Daily Mail). 

More News On The U.S. Imposing Sanctions On Cuban Officials

Biden to sanction Cuban officials and increase internet access -- Politico 

'Just the beginning': Biden announces Cuba sanctions following crackdown on protests -- USA Today  

Biden administration sanctions Cuban regime in wake of protests -- CNN  

Biden sanctions Cuba officials over protest crackdown -- NYPost

Black Lives Matter Praises Cuba's Communist Regime. Blames U.S. Sanctions For The Unrest

Black Lives Matter has blamed the 'cruel and inhumane US for the current unrest in Cuba as the activists praised the communist government  

Daily Mail: BLM blames 'cruel and inhumane' US embargoes for Cuban unrest and praises the communist regime for granting 'Black revolutionaries' asylum 

* Black Lives Matter accused US of causing the instability that sparked protests 

* Activists also praised the regime for showing 'solidarity with oppressed peoples' 

* Demonstrations over food shortages and rising prices have rocked the island 

* The group also praised Cuba for harboring Assata Shakur, a convicted cop killer and former Black Panther who has been hiding on the island for nearly 40 years 

Black Lives Matter has blamed the 'cruel and inhumane' US for the current unrest in Cuba as the activists praised the communist regime for harboring a convicted US cop killer and its 'solidarity' with oppressed people. 

The group sparked a furious backlash with the statement shared online following a week of violence on the island and furious protests over food shortages and rising prices.

BLM accused the US of causing the instability with its embargoes which have caused 'pain and suffering' for Cubans for 60 years in the message which was branded 'worse than embarrassing'.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I am sure the Democrat leadership told them to tone it down .... AOC, Omar silent after Black Lives Matter voices support for Cuban regime (FOX News).  

Update: I live here, and the silence from the Canadian PM has been deafening .... As Cuba erupts, Cuban-Canadians accuse the Trudeau government of turning its back (CBC). 

More News On Black Lives Matter Praising Cuba's Communist Regime While Blaming The U.S. Sanctions For The Unrest  

Black Lives Matter calls for end of Cuba embargo -- The Hill 

Black Lives Matter blames US, praises Cuban regime, social media erupts -- FOX News 

Black Lives Matter Faces Backlash for Cuba Statement: 'So Much Wrong' -- Newsweek 

BLM under fire for defending Cuban regime, blaming protests on US -- NYPost

Will The Biden Administration Reverse Former President Trump's Cuban Policies?

123RF Stock Photo 

Reuters: Biden reviewing Trump's listing of Cuba as terrorism sponsor -White House 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden’s administration is reviewing former President Donald Trump’s last-minute decision to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism but a broader Cuba policy shift is not currently among Biden’s top priorities, the White House said on Tuesday. 

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the administration is in no rush for major gestures toward Communist-ruled Cuba, despite hopes for a softer approach after Trump rolled back historic Obama-era détente with Havana. 

Her remarks provided public confirmation of comments made last week by a senior White House official who told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Cuba policy was not among the top issues that Biden was focused on for now. 

Read more .... 

Update: White House Admits Trump's Cuba Policies Will Stay For Now (Zero Hedge) 

WNU Editor: I never understood American progressives and their support of Fidel Castro and now his successors .... Exclusive: U.S. House Democrats urge Biden to revert to Obama-era Cuba detente (Reuters). I have been to Cuba a few times. Aside the poverty and misery coupled with a total lack of freedoms, it is a country that is run by an elite who stay in power that is enforced by a brutal intelligence-security apparatus. 

As for what will the Biden administration's policy towards Cuba? I predict no change for now. But within a year they will be reversing many of former President Trump's Cuban policies.

U.S. Government Designates Cuba As A State Sponsor Of Terror

 

USA Today: Trump administration puts Cuba back on list of state sponsors of terror 

In a remarkable 11th hour decision, the Trump administration designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terror on Monday, reversing an Obama-era decision to remove the communist country from the list as part of its broader rapprochement between Washington and Havana. 

The move, announced by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo comes just nine days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. Bloomberg first reported the Cuba policy decision. 

"With this action, we will once again hold Cuba’s government accountable and send a clear message: the Castro regime must end its support for international terrorism and subversion of U.S. justice," Pompeo said in a statement. 

Read more .... 

 More News On The U.S. Government Designating Cuba As A State Sponsor Of Terror 

Trump hits Cuba with new terrorism sanctions in waning days -- AP 

Trump administration redesignates Cuba as state sponsor of terror -- France 24 

Trump returns Cuba to U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism -- Reuters 

Trump administration names Cuba a 'state sponsor of terrorism' -- The Hill 

US designates Cuba state sponsor of terrorism -- FOX News 

Trump administration puts Cuba back on 'sponsor of terrorism' blacklist -- The Guardian 

US puts Cuba back on 'state sponsor of terrorism' list -- DW 

US designates Cuba as ‘state sponsor of terrorism’ -- Al Jazeera

Trump Administration Taking Steps To Designate Cuba A State Sponsor Of Terrorism

FOX News: State Department considers designating Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism, source says 

Currently, the state sponsors of terrorism list includes just three countries 

The government of Cuba could be added to the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism, if Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signs on to a State Department proposal as the Trump administration winds down. 

A source familiar with the discussions confirms senior State Department officials are considering the designation, which, days ahead of the next administration, would move the U.S. even further from the Obama-era reconciliation with Havana. 

A designation would trigger automatic sanctions against Cuba’s government and add it to a list including North Korea, Iran and Syria as the only nations the U.S. has designated as state sponsors of terrorism.

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The Cuban government has responded .... Cuba Warns US Against New Terror Designation (VOA/AFP) 

 More News On The U.S. Taking Steps To Designate Cuba A State Sponsor Of Terrorism 

Pompeo Weighs Plan to Place Cuba on U.S. Terrorism Sponsor List -- Straits Times/New York Times Trump administration may place Cuba on terrorism list: report -- The Hill 

Trump administration taking steps to designate Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism in coming days -- CNN Pompeo reportedly considering designating Cuba a terrorism sponsor -- The Independent 

Trump Administration May Place Cuba on US’ Terrorism Sponsor List - Report -- Sputnik

Biden’s Team Is Planning To Reset U.S. - Cuba Relations

The Biden team's rapprochement strategy includes reducing restrictions on travel, investment and remittances for the island nation that are perceived to disproportionately hurt Americans and Cubans, say sources [File: Lisette Poole/Bloomberg] 

Bloomberg: Biden plans Cuba reset in rebuke of Trump’s sanctions strategy 

The prospect of a détente between Washington and Havana rekindles memories of the thaw that Biden helped champion during the Obama administration, when the two nations restored diplomatic ties that had been broken for decades following Fidel Castro’s rise to power. 

President-elect Joe Biden’s team plans to bring the US closer to normalized relations with Cuba, reversing many of the sanctions and regulations imposed during the Trump administration, according to people familiar with the matter. 

That strategy includes reducing restrictions on travel, investment and remittances for the island nation that are perceived to disproportionately hurt Americans and ordinary Cubans, said the people, who requested anonymity because the new administration is still coming together. Other measures that target Cuba for human rights abuses would remain in place, the people said. 

Read more .... 

Update: Biden’s team is planning a Cuba reset: Sources (Ben Bartenstein, Al Jazeera/Bloomberg)

WNU Editor: I have always been baffled on American progressives having this soft spot for the Communist regime in Cuba. The Cuban regime has brought misery to so many Cubans for so many decades that you would think that American liberals and progressives would walk away.. But no. That is why I do expect the removal of U.S. sanctions and restrictions on Cuba to happen quickly. And after Cuba, I do expect a new U.S. policy towards Venezuela starting with the removal of some sanctions.

U.S. Considering Listing Cuba As A State Sponsor Of Terrorism

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. considers returning Cuba to list of state sponsors of terrorism - source

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is considering returning Cuba to its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a senior Trump administration official told Reuters on Thursday, a move that would mark another major blow to increasingly tense relations between Washington and Havana.

There is a “convincing case” that Cuba should be placed back on the U.S. blacklist, in part because of its continued backing for socialist Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the refuge it gives to leaders of Colombia’s ELN rebel group, the official said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official did not rule out that a decision on Cuba’s re-listing could come by the end of the year.

In what was possibly a preliminary step, the Trump administration said on Wednesday it had put the Communist-ruled island back on a separate list of countries that do not cooperate fully with its efforts to counter terrorism.

Havana, which has long denied any link to terrorism, dismissed Wednesday’s State Department announcement as “spurious.”

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Considering Listing Cuba As A State Sponsor Of Terrorism

Cuba May Return To State Sponsor Of Terror List In Major Re-Escalation Of Tensions, Report Says -- Forbes
US adds Cuba to blacklist on counterterrorism -- AFP
U.S. says Cuba does not cooperate in fight against terrorism and promotes disinformation -- Miami Herald
US weighs returning Cuba to list of 'state sponsors of terrorism' -- Al Jazeera

President Trump's Cuba Sanctions Will Hurt Havana

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel, left, shakes hands with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro last December. Cuba and Venezuela have deep ties, which leaves Canada in a difficult situation. (Ernesto Mastrascusa/Reuters)

Ana Quintana, National Interest: Trump’s Cuba Sanctions Will Punish Maduro’s Enablers in Havana

In exchange for subsidized Venezuelan oil and preferential loans, Cuba has exported its police state to Venezuela. Now Havana must pay for its allegiances.

National Security Advisor John Bolton recently announced new policies aimed to hasten the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. One of the initiatives is to fully implement Title 3 of the United States’ trade embargo against Cuba.

Title 3 has been on the books for more than twenty years, yet this will be the first time it will be fully implemented. What that means is that U.S. citizens will now be allowed to sue foreign companies trafficking in stolen property in Cuba. The move is meant to help increase pressure on the Cuban regime and their allies in Venezuela.

President Bill Clinton signed the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act into law in 1996. But his and subsequent administrations have consistently issued waivers bypassing full enforcement of the law. This allowed the Cuban regime and foreign companies doing business with them to profit off property seized from Americans without compensation. The waivers have helped line the pockets of the Castros and their cronies for decades.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is going to hurt Cuba .... U.S. Citizens Will Now Be Allowed To Sue Companies Doing Business In Cuba (April 16, 2019).

U.S. Citizens Will Now Be Allowed To Sue Companies Doing Business In Cuba

FOX News: Trump administration to allow lawsuits over seizures of US property in Cuba

The Trump administration intends to announce Wednesday that it will allow U.S. citizens to sue companies doing business in Cuba, according to a senior administration official.

Marking another break from Trump’s predecessors that threatens to upend relations with allies, the administration plans to enforce a provision of a 1996 law known as Helms-Burton that allows Cubans who fled Fidel Castro’s regime to sue companies that have used their former property on the island.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is going to hurt the Cuban government.

More News On U.S. Citizens Now Being Allowed To Sue Companies Doing Business In Cuba

Trump will allow lawsuits over U.S. properties seized in Cuba -- NBC/AP
In major shift, Trump to allow lawsuits against foreign firms in Cuba -- Reuters
Trump Is Making Yet Another Move to Apply Pressure On Cuba -- Time
Trump to Increase Pressure on Cuba by Lifting Lawsuit Limits -- The New York Times
Trump administration to let Americans sue Cuban companies -- NYPost

Cuba Accuses The U.S. Of Deploying Special Forces Closer To Venezuela

General view of opposition supporters taking part in a rally to commemorate the Day of the Youth and to protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela February 12, 2019. REUTERS/Adriana Loureiro

Reuters: Cuba says U.S. moving special forces, preparing Venezuelan intervention

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba said on Thursday the United States was moving special forces closer to Venezuela as part of a covert plan to intervene in the chaotic South American country using the pretext of a humanitarian crisis.

A “Declaration of the Revolutionary Government” alleged that recent events in Venezuela amounted to an attempted coup that had so far failed.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has been trying to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down and hand over power to Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly.

Guaido invoked a constitutional provision to assume the presidency three weeks ago, arguing that Maduro’s re-election last year was a sham.

Read more ....

More News On The Crisis In Venezuela

Cuba says US secretly moving special forces closer to Venezuela -- The Hill
Trump administration secretly moving US special forces closer to Venezuela, Cuba claims -- The Independent
US Military Aircraft Head to Caribbean Countries - Cuban Foreign Ministry -- Sputnik
Venezuela military reinforces Colombian border blockade -- France 24
Nicolás Maduro claims foes 'totally failed' to topple him as efforts falter -- The Guardian
Maduro government in desperate hunt for gold, oil buyers -- CBC
Venezuela opposition moves to seize control of oil revenue -- Al JAzeera
Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido tries to seize control of country's oil production -- The Independent
Venezuela opposition takes steps to seize oil revenue as Maduro issues threat -- Reuters
Venezuelan prosecutor to investigate Guaido appointments -- AP
'I won't shoot my people': Soldier reflects on Venezuela's political crisis -- CBC
Hands off ‘our hemisphere’ or Venezuela pays the price: US Senator warns Russia -- RT
Photos of Young Venezuelans Protesting in Caracas -- VICE

U.S. Considering Sanctions Against Cuban Officials On Their Role In Venezuela

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks next to Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel during their meeting at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela May 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marco BelloReuters

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S. weighs sanctions on Cuban officials over role in Venezuela crackdown

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering imposing sanctions on Cuban military and intelligence officials who it says are helping Venezuela’s socialist government crackdown on dissent, according to a source with knowledge of the deliberations.

Such sanctions would be the first time Washington has targeted a bloc of foreign officials allied with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. OPEC member Venezuela is in the grips of a prolonged recession, its economy dogged by hyperinflation and food shortages.

The White House declined comment in response to Reuters questions about possible Cuba sanctions. The Cuban and Venezuelan governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Within Venezuela itself, the protests continue .... Venezuelan youth protests against President Maduro (AFP).

Another American Sickened By Mysterious Attacks On U.S. Diplomats in Cuba, China

Embassy of the United States, Havana, Cuba

PJ Media: 25th American Sickened by Mysterious Attacks on U.S. Diplomats in Cuba, China

WASHINGTON -- Another U.S. diplomat has been confirmed to be suffering from the same ill health effects as embassy personnel sickened by mysterious attacks in Cuba and China.

The State Department first heard about the incidents in late 2016 and news broke last summer that they believed a sonic device outside the range of audible sound was targeted at the residences of U.S. diplomats, operating either inside or outside their homes. Officials have been investigating whether a third country looking for "payback" against the U.S. was involved, possibly with the assistance of Cuban security services. Those affected suffered "cognitive, vestibular, and oculomotor dysfunction, along with auditory symptoms, sleep abnormalities, and headache," and were left with conditions including mild traumatic brain injury and permanent hearing loss.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is one of those situations where everyone knows that there is more at play than what we know.

Claim: Malfunctioning Eavesdropping Devices Caused The 'Sonic Attacks' That Targeted U.S. Diplomatic Staff In Cuba

Daily Mail: Scientists claim 'sonic attacks' in Cuba were likely caused by poorly engineered eavesdropping devices

* US embassy workers in Cuba fell ill after hearing high-pitch sounds
* The 'sonic attacks' were experienced in their homes and hotel rooms
* It was thought that 'sonic weapons' might have been used against them
* Scientists at the University of Michigan believe that poorly engineered eavesdropping devices might've produced the painful sound
* If true, the 'sonic attacks' on the workers would have been accidental

Scientists believe the root of a 'sonic attack' that led to the US State Department recalling 21 employees and reducing staff from its embassy in Cuba could've just been 'bad engineering.'

In September 2017, the State Department pulled 21 diplomats and their families out of Cuba and stopped issuing travel visas to the country after embassy workers reported hearing loss, dizziness, speech issues, cognitive problems and other medical symptoms that appeared to stem from a 'sonic attack' in their homes or hotel rooms.

Some Canadian embassy workers also reported feeling ill from a high-pitched noise.

Read more ....

Update #1: Did These Computer Scientists Solve the Cuban ‘Sonic Attack’? -- Daily Beast
Update #2: Study: Malfunctioning Surveillance Gear, Not Sonic Weapons, Could Explain Cuba Embassy 'Attack' -- Gizmodo

WNU Editor: Regardless of what caused these health problems, the U.S. has made the decision to keep its diplomatic presence in Cuba at a minimum.

U.S. To Open Formal Inquiry On Americans Got Sick In Cuba

Reuters: U.S. probing if 'viral' attack sickened diplomats in Cuba - official

WASHINGTON/HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. investigators are looking at a range of theories, including the possibility of a “viral” attack, to explain what may have sickened some American diplomats who were stationed in Havana, the State Department said on Tuesday.

U.S. experts have yet to determine who or what was behind the mysterious illnesses that began occurring in late 2016 and heightened tensions between the old Cold War foes. They have seen no evidence it was “an episode of mass hysteria” among the 24 affected U.S. personnel and family members, a senior State Department medical officer told a Senate hearing.

State Department officials testified that it was “incomprehensible” Cuba’s Communist government would not have been aware of what happened or who was responsible, though they stopped short of assigning direct blame to Havana.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: U.S. investigators have so far failed in solving this case .... I doubt that starting a formal inquiry will "crack" the case.

More News On The U.S. Opening A Formal Inquiry On Why Did American Diplomats Get Sick In Cuba

US to Open Formal Inquiry on Americans Sickened in Cuba -- New York Times
'Perplexing' Cuba noise 'attacks' continue to baffle State Department -- CNN
Tillerson to launch new review of Havana 'attacks' -- The Hill
State Department officials still can't explain who or what sickened US diplomats in Cuba -- Los Angeles Times
State Department probing possibility of viral attack in Cuba illnesses -- FOX News
What Harmed U.S. Diplomats In Cuba? The Mystery Continues -- NPR

JFK Files: Pentagon Estimated They Would Need 261,000 Troops And Between 10 To 15 Days To Invade Cuba

USA Today: U.S. planned a 261,000-troop invasion force of Cuba, newly released documents show

WASHINGTON — U.S. military planners estimated they would need 261,000 troops and between 10 to 15 days to invade Cuba, oust its dictator, Fidel Castro, and take control of the country, an Aug. 8, 1962, memo for the John F. Kennedy administration shows.

"In order to seize control of key strategic areas in Cuba within 10-15 days with minimum casualties to both sides about 261,000 US military personnel would participate in the operation," said the memo addressed to the "Special Group" developing plans to remove Castro.

The memo was one of almost 2,900 files released Thursday by the National Archives as part of the final disclosure of files collected in the investigation of Kennedy's assassination on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Not surprised that there was a plan to invade Cuba .... I am sure there is a modern version on the shelf right now. What is interesting is that this file was in the JFK assassination files, and not elsewhere.

President Trump: Sanctions On Cuba And Venezuela Will Remain Until Freedoms Restored

Cuba's First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel shakes hands with Cuba's President Raul Castro during a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara in Santa Clara, Cuba, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer Reuters

Reuters: U.S. to maintain Cuba, Venezuela sanctions until freedoms restored: Trump

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States would maintain sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela until they restore political and religious freedom.

“We’re confronting rogue regimes from Iran to North Korea and we are challenging the communist dictatorship of Cuba and the socialist oppression of Venezuela,” Trump told a conservative political conference. “And we will not lift the sanctions on these repressive regimes until they restore political and religious freedom for their people.”

Read more ....

Update: Trump: US Won't Lift Sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela Until They Restore Freedoms (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: Cuba will probably be restoring some (if not most) of its freedoms in the next decade or two .... at least that is my hope. As for Venezuela .... it is in a very dark place right now, predicting its future is next to impossible right now.

Sonic-Audio Noise Recording Heard By Some Diplomats In Havana Has Emerged

The Hill: AP releases audio of noise heard by some diplomats in Havana attacks

The noise heard by some American diplomats who were affected by mysterious health attacks in Havana was a shrill, almost cricket-like tone with an electrical whine, according to a recording of the sound obtained by The Associated Press.

The recording is one of several reviewed by the AP, with the recordings made under "different circumstances." According to the news organization, it's just one of the sounds documented in Cuba that led U.S. investigators to initially suspect that some kind of covert sonic device was responsible for causing symptoms in American diplomats ranging from permanent hearing loss to difficulty sleeping to balance problems.

Read more ....

More News On A Recording of The Sonic-Audio Noise Heard By Some Diplomats in Havana Emerging

Dangerous sound? What Americans heard in Cuba attacks -- AP
'Sonic Attack' On US Diplomats In Cuba Sounded Like Shrieking Crickets -- CBS Miami
First recording emerges of high-pitched 'sonic weapon' linked to attacks on US Embassy workers in Cuba -- FOX News
Listen to the Sound That US Diplomats Heard When Attacked by a 'Sonic Device' in Cuba -- Gizmodo

Are U.S. Private Citizens Targeted By Sonic Attacks In Cuba?

Reuters: Some U.S. visitors to Cuba complain of symptoms similar to embassy 'attacks': U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A “handful” of private U.S. citizens who traveled to Cuba say they have experienced symptoms similar to those suffered by American diplomats in mysterious health “attacks” in Havana, the U.S. State Department said on Friday.

A State Department spokesperson, who declined to be named, said the agency could not verify the claims but said travelers should heed its travel warning issued last Friday.

The warning urged Americans to stay away from Cuba because of unexplained health “attacks” it says have caused hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and cognitive issues among at least 22 diplomatic personnel.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If there was just a case or two being reported .... no big deal. It could be due to a whole bunch of reasons. But if this story continues .... Cuba has a problem, and it is going to seriously impact their economy that is heavily dependent on tourism.

More News On Reports That U.S. Private Citizens Are Being Targeted By Sonic Attacks In Cuba

Some private citizens complain of health symptoms after visiting Cuba -- CBS News
US: A few visitors to Cuba claim symptoms similar to attacks -- Washington Post/AP
'Handful' of US citizens reported health attacks after visiting Cuba, State Dept. says -- ABC News
U.S. civilians report mystery symptoms in Cuba -- UPI
US travelers to Cuba report symptoms similar to diplomats -- The Hill
US tourists back from Cuba claim symptoms similar to mysterious attacks -- FOX News

U.S. Expels 15 Cuban Diplomats From Their Embassy In Washington Over Acoustic Attacks

Reuters: U.S. expels 15 Cuban diplomats, drawing protest from Havana

WASHINGTON/HAVANA (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the expulsion of 15 Cuban diplomats after pulling more than half of its own embassy staff out of Havana last week, drawing an angry protest from the Cuban government.

With U.S.-Cuba tensions escalating, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the latest decision was made due to Cuba’s “failure to take appropriate steps” to protect American personnel in Cuba who have been targeted in mysterious “attacks” that have damaged their health.

The steps taken by President Donald Trump’s administration mark another blow to his predecessor Barack Obama’s policy of rapprochement between Washington and Havana, former Cold War foes.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: As diplomatic expulsions go .... this is a unique one. It is not in Cuba's interest to have bad relations with the U.S. (my explanation is here). But these attacks have happened, and Cuba's response has not satisfied anyone. What's my take .... we should not forget that Cuba is a Communist dictatorship .... surveillance of foreign personnel .... especially U.S. personnel .... is a given. So why the attacks now .... and Castro's denials? Putting on my "speculation hat" .... I would say that there are some in Cuba who do not want good relations with the U.S., and this is a convenient way of showing it. Raoul Castro is retiring in a few months, and his successor has been chosen with the promise of continuing his policies .... closer ties with the U.S. being one of them. This may actually be the beginning of a fracture within Cuba's political elite .... and where this may lead is anyone's guess.

More News On The U.S. Expelling 15 Cuban Diplomats From Their Embassy In Washington Over Acoustic Attacks

US Cuba: Washington expels diplomats over 'acoustic attacks' -- BBC
The Latest: Cuba decries 'hasty' US actions on diplomats -- Miami Herald
US Expels 15 Cuban Diplomats From Embassy in Washington -- New York Times
US will expel 15 Cuban diplomats, escalating tensions over mystery illnesses -- Washington Post
Cuban government: US expulsion of diplomats 'irresponsible' -- The Hill