U.S. intelligence has found no conclusive evidence linking any foreign power to the mysterious “Havana syndrome” injuries reported by U.S. diplomats and other government personnel. However, two intelligence agencies have raised the possibility that a foreign adversary might have developed or even deployed a weapon capable of causing such injuries.
This conclusion, aligning with earlier investigations, follows an extensive review by seven U.S. intelligence agencies. The review examined cases involving brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American diplomats, military personnel, and government staff. These cases have sparked questions about potential foreign adversary involvement.
In the latest assessment released on Friday, five of the seven agencies determined it is highly unlikely that a foreign power was behind the injuries.
However, two agencies diverged, stating there is a possibility that a foreign adversary might have developed or even used a weapon that could produce the reported symptoms. Such a device would likely rely on directed energy, such as microwaves or acoustic energy.
The symptoms, including headaches, balance problems, cognitive issues, and sleep disturbances, were first reported in Cuba in 2016, leading to the term “Havana Syndrome.” Similar reports have since emerged from hundreds of American personnel in various countries.
The Biden administration has faced significant pressure to investigate these reports, as U.S. personnel have described severe brain injuries and other symptoms, allegedly caused by efforts to harass and harm Americans working abroad. Despite the scrutiny, officials have yet to identify a definitive cause.
In the assessment, the two agencies raising the possibility of foreign involvement did not identify evidence linking any specific episode to technology developed by Russia or any other nation. Instead, their findings were based on analyses of foreign weapons development and capabilities.
One agency assessed a “roughly even chance” that a foreign government used such a weapon or prototype in a limited and undetermined number of cases affecting U.S. personnel. The other agency found it plausible that such a weapon has been developed but unlikely that it has been deployed in any reported cases.
Havana Syndrome (Photo: AP)
The findings mark a shift in judgment by certain intelligence components, highlighting the need for continued investigation, according to National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.
“Our focus on these priorities remains unwavering and must continue,” Savett said in a statement. “It is vital that the U.S. government continue critical research, investigate credible incidents, and strengthen efforts to provide timely care and long-term clinical follow-up.”
Representative Rick Crawford of Arkansas, a Republican who led a separate investigation, accused the White House of withholding evidence of foreign involvement.
As chair of the House Intelligence Committee’s CIA Subcommittee, Crawford oversaw a recent report that concluded it is “increasingly likely” that a foreign adversary is responsible for “some portion” of the incidents.
Crawford pledged to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration to uncover the truth for affected federal employees and the public. “Congress must continue working towards the truth and seeking accountability,” he said in a statement.
An intelligence official, speaking anonymously under guidelines from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, noted that the two agencies suggesting possible foreign involvement had “low confidence” in their conclusions.
The official added that other national security agencies were more confident in their assessment that foreign powers were not involved. They cited specific intelligence that casts doubt on the theory of foreign government involvement.
“There’s no intelligence linking a foreign actor to any specific event,” the official told reporters.
