Tillerson Says Closing Cuban Embassy 'Under Review'

The Trump administration is reviewing whether to close the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba following incidents involving unexplained audio disturbance affecting U.S. diplomats, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said.

RELATED:
WFP to Provide $5.7M Food Aid to Over 650,000 Cubans

Speaking on "Face the Nation," Tillerson said the closing of the embassy, which was only recently opened in 2015, is "under evaluation" due to the "very serious" issue regarding the harm some individuals have suffered, noting that some of the affected diplomats have already returned to the United States.

Cuban President Raul Castro earlier requested a meeting with a U.S. envoy to address the issue as well as initial threats from the United States. The head of state, in a meeting with U.S. diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis, reportedly said he was baffled and concerned by the mysterious occurrence.

Cuba is continuing to investigate the incident, denying any involvement.

While the United States has not outright blamed Havana for the attacks. It did, however, expel two Cuban diplomats in May from Washington.

The U.S. State Department reported that U.S. embassy staff – as well as five Canadians – in the Cuban capital experienced unusual audio disturbances.

In August, a Canadian official said they had no intention of taking diplomatic action against Cuba, with whom it has enjoyed good relations for many years.

A source close to the investigation said U.S. officials in Cuba "have never suspected the Cubans as perpetrating these events."