'Sonic attacks' in Cuba hit several Canadian diplomats, kin

Image
AFP Ottawa
Last Updated : Sep 16 2017 | 1:02 AM IST
Mysterious "sonic attacks" in Cuba in recent months targeted at least five Canadian diplomats and their families, public broadcaster CBC reported today.
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 today, 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.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 16 2017 | 1:02 AM IST

Next Story