White House says Cuba could stop attacks on Americans

WASHINGTON – White House chief of staff John Kelly says the United States believes that Cuban President Raul Castro’s government could stop attacks on U.S. diplomats.

Kelly isn’t elaborating on why the U.S. believes Cuba could stop it. Previously, the United States has said merely that it was Cuba’s responsibility under international law to protect diplomats serving on its soil.

The U.S. has not accused Cuba or any other actor of perpetrating the attacks. Cuba’s government has vehemently denied involvement or knowledge of the attacks.

At least 22 American government personnel are said by the U.S. to be “medically confirmed” to have been affected by the attacks. The U.S. says the number could grow.

Kelly was asked about the Cuba attacks during a press briefing at the White House.