The anonymous individual told CBS Miami those injured during the attacks told senior leadership at the U.S. embassy in Havana and top U.S. Department of State officials about the incidents for months, but said their complaints were largely ignored.
The individual, who claimed they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media, also criticized President Donald Trump’s Sept. 29 decision to withdraw 60 percent of embassy staff, saying it occurred too late.
“Why did it take so long to draw down, to get spouses and children out of there? I don’t know how they can justify leaving anyone down there right now, from a safety perspective,” the individual told CBS Miami.
The anonymous individual said victims were initially treated by University of Miami Health System physicians, but are now being treated by neurologists at Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine, the report states.
Several American and Canadian diplomats and their spouses began experiencing various illnesses in December 2016. The victims’ injuries ranged from hearing loss and dizziness to visual problems and cognitive issues, among other conditions.
President Trump has taken several measures to protect Americans from further attacks. The Trump administration expelled 15 Cuban diplomats from the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C., Oct. 3. Federal officials also issued a travel warning advising American citizens not to travel to Cuba. U.S. officials’ travel to Cuba will be limited to those investigating the health attacks and those with business related to U.S. national security interests.
The cause of the attacks has not yet been determined. However, White House officials reportedly do not believe the Cuban government is behind the attacks.
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