U.S. orders two members of Cuba's UN mission to leave

The U.S. State Department on Thursday required the departure of two members of Cuba's mission to the United Nations, citing their alleged "attempts to conduct influence operations against the United States."

This file photo taken on September 19, 2017 shows a view of the United Nations headquarters during the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. [File photo: AFP/Brendan Smialowski]

"The Department of State today notified the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the United States requires the imminent departure of two members of Cuba's Permanent Mission to the United Nations for abusing their privileges of residence," said Morgan Ortagus, the department spokesperson, in a statement.

"This is due to their attempts to conduct influence operations against the United States," the spokesperson added, without providing further details on the issue.

Besides, the United States required Cuba's UN mission's travel should "essentially be restricted to the island of Manhattan," according to the statement.

The announcement came as the United Nations General Assembly is holding its 74th session in New York.

U.S.-Cuba relationship has deteriorated under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has rolled back the detente initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.