The mysterious illness known as “Havana Syndrome” cannot be attributed to a foreign adversary, according to the US intelligence community. This latest conclusion refutes the theory that the unexplained ailment was the result of a targeted campaign by an enemy of the US. The CIA’s interim report from last year also found it unlikely that the illness was caused by a sustained worldwide campaign by Russia or any other foreign actor.
Officials stated that the assessment draws on extensive resources, including a review of hundreds of incidents and a wide range of factors surrounding them. Despite this, the assessment does not provide definitive answers on the cause of the ailment that has sickened hundreds of US government personnel and family members worldwide.
The mysterious illnesses first occurred in 2016 when diplomats stationed in Havana reported symptoms consistent with head trauma, including dizziness and extreme headaches. Cases have been reported worldwide, including clusters of at least 60 incidents in Bogota, Colombia, and Vienna, Austria.
According to officials, there is no single explanation for these incidents, but there are many possible causes, including “environmental and social factors,” as well as “preexisting medical conditions.”
They also found no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or collection device capable of causing the mysterious illness.
“I want to be absolutely clear: these findings do not call into question the experiences and real health issues that U.S. government personnel and their family members — including CIA’s own officers — have reported while serving our country,” CIA Director William Burns said. “We will continue to remain alert to any risks to the health and wellbeing of Agency officers, to ensure access to care, and to provide officers the compassion and respect they deserve.”
