WASHINGTON — Recent evaluations by U.S. intelligence agencies have found no direct evidence connecting foreign powers to the strange “Havana syndrome” incidents affecting American diplomats and personnel. However, a couple of agencies have indicated that it’s plausible a foreign adversary may have developed or deployed a weapon associated with these reported injuries.
This conclusion, which mirrors earlier investigations, comes after a comprehensive review by seven intelligence entities that scrutinized cases involving brain injuries and various symptoms reported by U.S. diplomats and government officials. These personnel have raised concerns regarding potential foreign involvement.
According to the latest assessment published by U.S. intelligence on Friday, five of the seven agencies determined that it is highly improbable that a foreign adversary caused the injuries. In contrast, the remaining two agencies have reached a different verdict, suggesting that it is possible a foreign state could have designed or possibly employed a weapon that might lead to such injuries. This potential device may utilize acoustic energy, microwaves, or other forms of directed energy.
Symptoms such as headaches, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties were initially reported in Cuba in 2016, resulting in the term “Havana Syndrome,” and have since been documented by hundreds of American personnel across various countries.
The Biden administration has faced mounting scrutiny to investigate these incidents thoroughly after numerous U.S. personnel reported severe brain injuries and other symptoms, believed to be a consequence of potential harassment or acts of aggression against Americans abroad. Nevertheless, officials have struggled to provide a comprehensive explanation.
In the recent evaluation, the two agencies that remained open to the possibility of foreign technology involvement did not find concrete evidence linking any specific incidents to developments by Russia or any other nation. Their conclusions stemmed primarily from assessments of foreign weapon technology and capabilities.
One of the agencies suggested there was an “even chance” that a foreign entity used a weapon or a prototype device in a limited, unclear number of incidents impacting U.S. personnel. The other agency acknowledged that while it is conceivable a foreign power has invented such a weapon, it is improbable that it has been applied in cases reported to authorities.
This updated information signifies a “shift in key judgments by some intelligence components,” indicating a need for further investigation, according to National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. He emphasized the importance of continuing diligent research, investigating credible incidents, and enhancing efforts to offer timely support and long-term clinical care to those affected.
Amid these developments, a Republican lawmaker has accused the White House of withholding evidence related to foreign involvement. Rep. Rick Crawford, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee’s CIA Subcommittee, commented on the report suggesting that it is “increasingly likely” some incidents are linked to foreign adversaries. Crawford has expressed his commitment to seek answers for federal employees affected and the general public.
An intelligence official who shared insights about the latest assessment mentioned that the agencies that have posited the possibility of foreign weapons development acknowledged having “low confidence” in their conclusions. This official, who remained anonymous due to guidelines from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, highlighted that other national security agencies maintain a higher confidence level in their assessment dismissing foreign involvement and insisted that information gathered by U.S. intelligence casts uncertainty on any foreign connection.
“There’s no intelligence linking a foreign actor to any specific event,” the official stated in a briefing.
