A provisional report from the House of Representatives Subcommittee overseeing the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) concludes that a foreign adversary may be behind some of the incidents related to the so-called "Havana Syndrome," a phenomenon that has affected U.S. diplomats and officials in various parts of the world since 2016.
The report, published on December 5, sharply criticizes the U.S. intelligence community for obstructing the investigation and providing prior assessments that are described as "questionable and misleading." The House Intelligence Committee announced the initiation of these investigations at the end of February.
According to the chairman of the CIA subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Republican Rick Crawford, there is strong evidence that certain agencies attempted to downplay the phenomenon to avoid political repercussions and divert Congress's attention.
The document accuses the intelligence community of "frustrating investigative efforts" by delaying key information, censoring documents, and limiting who could testify before Congress.
Crawford affirmed that the subcommittee has gathered significant evidence supporting the hypothesis that a foreign adversary is involved in some cases of the syndrome, although the most sensitive details have been set aside for a classified report that will be released soon.
"The report states, 'It seems increasingly likely that a foreign adversary is behind some of these incidents. The intelligence community has tried to obstruct our investigation at every turn.'"
Among the findings, it is noteworthy that the National Intelligence Council presented an official assessment in 2023 that dismissed the likelihood of a foreign attack, attributing the symptoms to environmental factors or pre-existing conditions. However, the subcommittee argues that this assessment lacked "analytical integrity" and was crafted to be "politically acceptable."
Response of intelligence agencies and perspective of the victims
In a statement to the Miami Herald, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence categorically denied the accusations in the report, calling them unfounded.
According to this government source, the investigation was "one of the most thorough" in the history of the intelligence community, utilizing all of its technical and operational resources to clarify the incidents.
The CIA also defended its actions, stating that it provided thousands of pages of documents to Congress and facilitated numerous briefing sessions. However, the report indicates that some of this information was delivered incomplete and late.
Mark Zaid, lawyer for several victims of the Havana Syndrome, stated that the Congressional report confirms what many affected individuals have been reporting for years: a deliberate cover-up by the intelligence community.
A former official identified as "Patient Zero" stated that the U.S. government has allowed its opponents to act with impunity. "While the intelligence community is focused on covering this up, our adversaries are becoming bolder and more effective," the whistleblower asserted.
A phenomenon still without explanation.
Since the first cases were reported in 2016 at the United States Embassy in Havana, hundreds of diplomats, intelligence agents, and their families have experienced symptoms such as migraines, memory loss, hearing problems, and cognitive difficulties. Subsequently, similar cases were reported in Russia, China, Europe, and even in Washington D.C.
The U.S. government has officially recognized over 300 affected individuals, including several children, who have received specialized medical treatment at military facilities. Some of them have even been financially compensated after it was confirmed that their ailments could not be attributed to known environmental factors.
Background and Controversy
The nature and origin of the "Havana Syndrome" remain subjects of debate. In March 2023, an intelligence assessment by seven U.S. agencies ruled out the possibility of foreign involvement, attributing the symptoms to natural causes.
However, parallel investigations, including those by media outlets such as The Insider, 60 Minutes, and Der Spiegel, indicated that the Russian intelligence service GRU may be responsible for the use of directed energy weapons.
For its part, the Cuban government has repeatedly dismissed the U.S. investigations as a “political farce.” In April 2024, officials from the Cuban Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations, referring to the phenomenon as the "Washington Syndrome."
Similarly, a CIA report from January 2022 deemed it "very unlikely" that a foreign adversary was responsible for the cases, although it did not rule out this possibility for a small number of incidents.
The controversy has also been fueled by testimonies such as that of a CIA doctor, who claimed to have experienced symptoms during a research mission in Havana in 2017. The specialist described sensations of extreme pressure in the head and disorientation, symptoms similar to those reported by other affected individuals.
Next steps
The subcommittee committed to continuing its investigation, promising to publish a final report that will address in greater detail the alleged irregularities in the assessment conducted by the intelligence community.
Additionally, he urged the government to ensure long-term medical care for those affected and to enhance cooperation among government agencies.
Although many unanswered questions remain, the preliminary report reignites the debate regarding the origin of the Havana Syndrome and the potential involvement of a foreign adversary in one of the most complex enigmas of national security in the United States.
The reemergence of the “Havana Syndrome” and the arrival of Donald Trump at the White House
The reemergence of the "Havana Syndrome" as a priority topic in the United States Congress could take on a new dimension with Donald Trump's impending return to the White House.
Historically, the Trump administration took a "hardline" stance towards Cuba, imposing sanctions and reversing the rapprochement policies established by his predecessor, Barack Obama.
If Trump returns to the presidency, the renewed interest in research could fuel a narrative of geopolitical confrontation. Some factors to consider are:
1. Hardening of foreign policy:
Trump could use the congressional report to justify a more aggressive approach against regimes deemed 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 theory 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. Political use of the report:
Trump is known for using national security issues as political tools. The narrative of a covert foreign attack could be employed to strengthen his image as a strong leader in the eyes of the public, especially in an electoral context.
5. Pressure on the intelligence community:
The congressional report accuses the CIA and other intelligence agencies of withholding information regarding the phenomenon. This could become a new point of conflict for a Trump administration, given his historical distrust of these agencies during his first term.
In conclusion, Trump's arrival at the White House could represent a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the "Havana Syndrome." This may translate into diplomatic actions, economic sanctions, and a more confrontational rhetoric towards the countries identified as potential perpetrators.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Congressional Report and the Havana Syndrome
What is Havana Syndrome and who has been affected?
The Havana Syndrome is a phenomenon that has affected U.S. diplomats and officials since 2016, presenting symptoms such as migraines, memory loss, and auditory problems. Cases have been reported in Cuba, Russia, China, Europe, and Washington D.C., impacting more than 300 people, including children.
What does the Congressional report conclude about Havana Syndrome?
The Congress report suggests that a foreign adversary may be behind some incidents related to the Havana Syndrome. It criticizes the U.S. intelligence community for hindering the investigation and providing "dubious and misleading" assessments.
What is the stance of the U.S. intelligence community regarding the congressional report?
The intelligence community, including the CIA, categorically rejects the accusations in the report, claiming that the investigation was extremely thorough. However, the Congressional report criticizes the delayed and incomplete delivery of information.
How could the report impact the approach of U.S. foreign policy?
With the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, the report could warrant a more aggressive approach toward regimes deemed hostile, such as those in Cuba, Russia, or China. This could involve economic sanctions and a more confrontational rhetoric.
What is the Cuban regime's stance on the Havana Syndrome?
The Cuban regime has described the U.S. investigations into the Havana Syndrome as a "political farce." They deny any involvement and assert that the syndrome is a false pretext to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
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