Very unlikely that a foreign adversary was behind ‘Havana syndrome’: Report by US intel agencies

Symptoms first appeared to affect US officials in Havana in 2016, then in India, China, Europe & Washington. There was even speculation about use of microwaves & soundwaves.

Havana Syndrome was first reported in American diplomats stationed in Cuba in 2016 | Twitter | @USEmbCuba

New Delhi: The peculiar illness Havana Syndrome, which rattled many US government officials between 2016 and 2017, did not originate from a foreign adversary, according to a report from the American intelligence community.

Further, the report explains that symptoms reported by the US personnel were probably a result of a combination of pre-existing conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors.

This finding has put to rest speculation that American officials were subject to a multi-nation plot to sabotage their health. There were even theories suggesting that microwaves and soundwaves were used to target US diplomats and spies.

Havana Syndrome first appeared to affect US officials in their embassy in Havana, Cuba in 2016. The symptoms would usually vary between officials facing cognitive difficulties, having ringing ears, and enduring severe pain.

The BBC reported that as the first few cases were of officers of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), it was not reported. However, cases affecting US officials were reported in India, China, Europe, and Washington D.C over the years.

“I can share with you that most IC (Intelligence Community) agencies have now concluded that it is ‘very unlikely’ a foreign adversary is responsible for the reported AHIs (Anomalous Health Incidents),” National Intelligence director Avril D. Haines said.

“Intelligence agencies have varying confidence levels because we still have gaps given the challenges collecting on foreign adversaries — as we do on many issues involving them,” Haines added.

The report is a culmination of a year-long effort by the US intelligence community to trace the origins of the Havana Syndrome. Seven intelligence agencies participated in the review of approximately 1,000 cases of the illness. The Washington Post reported that five of these agencies concluded that it was “very unlikely” that a foreign adversary was involved.

This report adds to the initial finding released last year, which state that there was evidence the illness wasn’t a result of the ploy by international adversaries, including Russia, to target American officials. It, however, adds that agencies needed to continue to investigate.

Haines further said that the report does not question the symptoms or the experiences of the affected government officials.

(Edited by Tony Rai)