Senate Report Criticizes CIA's Handling of Havana Syndrome, Questions Foreign Involvement

 

A newly declassified US Senate report has raised significant concerns over the CIA’s management of Havana syndrome, a mysterious health condition affecting US officials abroad. The report, released on Friday, criticizes the agency for its inconsistent medical care, delayed compensation, and communication failures. It also suggests that foreign adversaries are "very unlikely" to be behind the phenomenon, challenging previous theories of a covert attack using directed energy.

The Senate intelligence committee’s 18-page report outlines how nearly 100 CIA-affiliated individuals who reported “anomalous health incidents” (AHI) faced delays in care and struggled to access benefits. It noted that many employees perceived the agency's treatment as harmful, contributing to a "moral injury" that hindered their recovery. The report also revealed that only 21% of CIA employees’ workers' compensation claims were approved, compared to 67% for other government agencies, with the CIA aggressively contesting claims.

“The lack of support for affected personnel has led to increased stress, worsening their conditions,” the report stated, pointing out that a significant number of affected individuals did not feel believed, which impacted their recovery process.

The first reports of Havana syndrome emerged in 2016, with US personnel in Havana, Cuba, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and cognitive issues. Early theories suggested the cause was a targeted attack using a mysterious weapon, potentially a directed energy device deployed by foreign powers. However, the Senate report concludes that while adversaries are unlikely to be responsible, the possibility that directed energy technologies are being developed by US adversaries cannot be ruled out.

Despite the enduring mystery surrounding the syndrome, two studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published in March failed to show any significant physical differences between those affected by the syndrome and control groups. The studies found no abnormalities in brain structure or function but did report higher rates of fatigue, post-traumatic stress, and depression among those with symptoms.

However, these NIH studies were halted after an internal investigation revealed that some participants had been coerced into taking part.

As of earlier this year, a Government Accountability Office report revealed that 334 Americans had qualified for care in the military health system due to Havana syndrome, though many still struggled to access treatment. The Department of Defense has started a trauma registry to track patient data, but only 33 patients have been entered into the system thus far.

With over 1,500 reported cases worldwide, the underlying cause of Havana syndrome remains unclear. The Senate committee stressed the importance of providing medical support to affected individuals, warning against repeating past mistakes of withholding care due to a lack of understanding of the condition.

“It can take years or even decades for medical mysteries to be solved,” the report cautioned. “The committee does not want the intelligence community to withhold support simply because the cause remains unknown.”

As the search for answers continues, the report underscores the need for comprehensive support and care for those affected by the syndrome, regardless of the cause.