CIA says most ‘Havana Syndrome’ cases are not targeted attacks

The CIA believes it is unlikely Russia or another foreign adversary has used microwaves or other forms of directed energy in targeted attacks on American officials overseas. Hundreds of U.S. intelligence officers, diplomats and military personnel have reported symptoms associated with brain injuries to what’s come to be known as “Havana Syndrome.” The most common symptoms reported include headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms consistent with traumatic brain injuries.

According to one official, most of the cases the CIA reviewed have been linked to other known medical conditions or environmental factors. Other cases revealed previously undiagnosed medical conditions like brain tumors and bacterial infections.

The findings drew immediate criticism from some officials who have suffered from these mysterious ailments. They accuse the government of dismissing the incidents.

“We will continue the mission to investigate these incidents,” CIA Director William Burns said in a statement.

A few dozen cases are still unresolved and remain under investigation.

“There is no doubt in my mind that they have had real experiences, real symptoms and real suffering,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Berlin on Thursday. “We are going to continue to do everything we can, with all the resources we can bring to bear, to understand, again, what happened, why, and who might be responsible. And we are leaving no stone unturned.”

Blinken also sent a letter to department employees assuring them investigations into the incidents would continue, as would efforts to improve care. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a bill intended to provide better medical care for affected personnel.