Staff reduction at US Embassy in Havana made permanent after mystery ailments
WASHINGTON _ The Trump administration Friday ordered a permanent reduction in U.S. personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the most significant step yet in reversing former President Barack Obama's efforts to restore full diplomatic ties with Cuba.
In response to a string of mysterious ailments reported by two dozen American officials or their relatives stationed in Havana, the State Department last year ordered a temporary transfer out of Cuba of most key personnel and their families.
Friday's order makes the staff reduction permanent by declaring Havana an "unaccompanied post," meaning no families are permitted, and by assigning only "the minimum personnel necessary to perform core diplomatic and consular functions." The statement did not give a number, but it's believed to be fewer than 30, the same size as the skeleton staff that has been working in the mission since the first departures were ordered.
The cause of the ailments, whose symptoms included hearing loss and were said to be related to strange high-pitched sounds or changes in pressure, remains unknown.
_Tribune Washington Bureau
