Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said Tuesday he's convinced the Cubans had some knowledge of the mysterious attacks on American diplomats stationed there that led to myriad health problems.
The Department of State recalled much of its Cuban embassy staff last fall because of the incidents, which officials said could have been sonic attacks.
During an interview on Fox News, Rubio said he will lead a hearing Tuesday that looks into what happened in the Cuban capital and how the State Department responded.
"We have at least 24 Americans and/or spouses and dependents who have been injured. Suffered brain injuries that are consistent with concussions and things like that during their time stationed in Havana over a 12-month period," Rubio said.
"The method that was used to attack them is not yet clear. That is mysterious. The fact they have been injured is not mysterious."
U.S. officials have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the injuries that were inflicted on the diplomats — some of whom were reported to be part of a U.S. spy network — and their families, but all of them reported hearing loud, high-pitched sounds when they were at various locations throughout Havana.
Rubio said in his mind, the Cuban government bears some responsibility.
"First of all, no matter what, there is no way you can conduct sophisticated attacks targeting American government officials in Havana without the Cuban government at least knowing about it," Rubio said. "And No. 2, you can't have people in Havana if you can't guarantee their safety."
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke with The Associated Press about the attacks and said he will not send American diplomats back to Cuba until their safety can be guaranteed.
"I'd be intentionally putting them back in harm's way. Why in the world would I do that when I have no means whatsoever to protect them?" Tillerson said. "I will push back on anybody who wants to force me to [send them back prematurely]."
The AP reported that FBI officials have not found any evidence that suggests sound waves were used to attack the Americans. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., told the news outlet over the weekend he is skeptical that the attacks even occurred after speaking with Cuban authorities.
Rubio countered Flake on Sunday in a series of tweets, saying the attacks are "documented fact."
During his Fox News appearance Tuesday, Rubio said he just wants to get to the bottom of what happened and ascertain whether the State Department responded properly.
"These are 24 Americans in the service of our country, stationed abroad who have been injured," he said. "The American people deserve to know … how did it happen, who did it, and more importantly, how did the State Department respond?"
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