Donald Trump to expel two-thirds of Cuban embassy staff after months of 'attacks

DONALD Trump will order nearly two-thirds of Cuba’s diplomatic personnel to leave the US after months of “attacks” that have hurt American embassy staff, according to a source.

It follows an announcement on Friday that the United States is cutting its diplomatic presence in Cuba by more than half.
US citizens have been warned not to visit the nation over unexplained incidents which have allegedly caused hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue and mild brain trauma to staff at the American Embassy in Havanna.
It was first reported by the Miami Herald, which cited a source as saying the expulsion of Cuban personnel was "reciprocity" for the US drawdown from Havana.

The US State Department is expected to announce the expulsions as soon as Tuesday.
At least 21 embassy staff and family members reported a range of health problems.
A US State Department official said: “Until the Government of Cuba can ensure the safety of our people, we will be reduced to emergency personnel so as to minimise the number of US Government personnel at risk of exposure.

“Routine visa operations are suspended indefinitely.
"At least 21 employees have been targeted in specific attacks.”
Earlier reports said Washington made the order after diplomats were targeted by sonic attacks, which use sonic and ultrasonic weapons to injure, incapacitate or kill an opponent.

Citizens were urged not to travel to Havana because some of the attacks took place at hotels where Americans stay, according to a senior State Department official.
American officials said the US embassy will lose around 60 per cent of its staff and will stop processing visas there indefinitely.

The Cuban Government has denied any role and is investigating the incident.
Despite an investigation by the FBI, Cuban authorities and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officials have been unable to determine the cause of the attacks, which date back to late 2016.

But the senior State Department official stressed: "The Government of Cuba is responsible for taking all appropriate steps to prevent attacks on our diplomatic personnel in Cuba.
"We don’t know the means, the methods or how the attacks are being carried out.