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A former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, identified as "Alice" to protect her identity, reported that the agency covered up attacks related to the infamous "Havana syndrome."
According to her testimony, reported by The Washington Times, Alice was a victim of an attack with an alleged energy weapon in 2021 while working in Africa, an incident that left her with debilitating injuries that she still suffers from.
Several reports from U.S. government agencies have indicated that the "Havana Syndrome" has affected hundreds of diplomats, intelligence personnel, and military members deployed abroad since the first cases were reported in Cuba in 2016.
The affected individuals described symptoms such as traumatic brain injuries, vertigo, memory lapses, balance issues, tinnitus, and nerve pain.
These events, officially referred to by the U.S. government as “anomalous health incidents” (AHI), have raised suspicions that foreign adversaries, such as Russia and China, may have employed sonic or microwave weapons in a potential “cognitive war.”
The case of Alice and her accusations
Alice recounted that the attack took place one Saturday night at her home in Africa. She heard a strange noise and felt a vibration in her feet, similar to the reverberation of a speaker.
Immediately, she experienced intense pain in her left ear, vertigo, and a loud ringing that made her fear for her life. According to the former officer, these attacks can be carried out using handheld weapons, such as devices stored in backpacks or cars.
Alice stated that the CIA has not only ignored the attacks but has also concealed relevant information, leaving the affected agents unprotected. "It's a cover-up and it should be terrifying for all Americans," she said.
Additionally, he reported that the Biden administration is downplaying the reports on these attacks and the potential implications of involvement by foreign adversaries.
Evidence and controversies
A report from the subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, led by Representative Rick Crawford, recently stated that there is "reliable evidence" that AHI are the result of attacks from foreign adversaries.
Additionally, a 2014 document from the National Security Agency revealed that Russia possessed microwave technology suspected of being related to these incidents. This hypothesis was also supported by an investigative report published in April, which was conducted over the course of a year by The Insider in collaboration with 60 Minutes and Der Spiegel.
According to the extensive and detailed investigative work, members of the Kremlin's military intelligence sabotage squad (Unit 29155 of the GRU) had been identified at the locations of the alleged attacks against U.S. government personnel abroad and their family members.
Despite these revelations, the U.S. intelligence community concluded in its official assessment that foreign adversary involvement is "unlikely," which has sparked skepticism among those affected and experts.
Catherine Herridge, former reporter for CBS and Fox News, emphasized that her investigation interviewed over a dozen patients and gathered testimonies accusing the CIA of "manipulating" information about the attacks.
Additionally, Herridge confirmed that multiple sources indicated that CIA Director William Burns had privately expressed his belief that Russia is behind some of the attacks. However, the agency's official stance remains neutral, emphasizing that its priority is to ensure a professional analysis in pursuit of the truth.
Implications and complaints
The "Havana Syndrome" remains a controversial topic within the U.S. intelligence community. Accusations of cover-ups and a lack of support for the victims have sparked intense debate about how the government has handled these cases.
Meanwhile, those affected, like Alice, continue to cope with debilitating injuries while demanding a more transparent and robust response. For its part, the CIA has reiterated its commitment to the well-being of its agents and emphasized that it is working diligently to address this challenge.
However, the discomfort expressed by the victims and the growing suspicions regarding the involvement of foreign adversaries raise serious questions about the safety of U.S. officials abroad and the government's ability to protect them against these emerging threats.
The reappearance of the "Havana Syndrome" and Trump's arrival at the White House
The reemergence of the "Havana Syndrome" on the political agenda of the United States could take on a new dimension with Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House.
Historically, the Trump administration took a tough approach toward Cuba, imposing sanctions and reversing rapprochement policies established by its predecessor, Barack Obama.
If Trump returns to the presidency, the renewed interest in the investigation could fuel a narrative of geopolitical confrontation. Some factors to consider are:
1. Toughening of foreign policy:
Trump could leverage this momentum to justify a more aggressive approach against regimes considered hostile, such as those in Cuba, Russia, or China. This aligns with his previous national security strategy, which prioritized diplomatic and economic pressure on strategic adversaries.
2. Review of Diplomatic Relations:
The incidents related to the "Havana syndrome" led to the partial closure of the United States Embassy in Cuba during Trump's administration, as well as the expulsion of Cuban diplomats. If the thesis of a foreign adversary is upheld, it is likely that a Trump-led government would reinstate these measures or impose new sanctions.
3. Escalation of tension with Russia and China:
The report suggests that Russian agents may be involved in the attacks, an accusation that could escalate tensions between Washington and Moscow. Additionally, China, another key adversary in Trump's foreign policy, has also been mentioned in previous investigations.
4. Pressure on the intelligence community:
The Congressional report accuses the CIA and other intelligence agencies of concealing information about the phenomenon. This could become a new point of contention for a Trump administration, given its historical distrust of these agencies during his first term.
In conclusion, Trump's arrival at the White House could signify a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the "Havana Syndrome." This could lead to diplomatic actions, economic sanctions, and a more confrontational rhetoric towards the countries identified as possible culprits.
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