The mysterious illness known as "Havana Syndrome" first came into the spotlight in 2016 when US diplomats stationed in Cuba reported falling ill, accompanied by complaints of hearing piercing sounds at night. Since then, this condition has affected US personnel globally, prompting questions about its origins and possible foreign involvement. However, recent findings from the US intelligence community suggest that it is "very unlikely" an international power is responsible for these symptoms.
The US intelligence community, comprising seven agencies and departments, has been investigating the so-called anomalous health incidents (AHIs) to determine their cause. Five of these agencies have concluded that it is "very unlikely" a foreign actor used a novel weapon or prototype device to harm US personnel and their families. While two of the agencies acknowledge the possibility that foreign actors could have developed radiofrequency technology linked to the symptoms, they have not found conclusive evidence of its deployment.
These conclusions stem from a new report published on Friday, outlining the reasoning behind the change in stance by two intelligence bodies. The report indicates a "roughly even chance" that a foreign power might have used a novel device to harm a small, undetermined subset of individuals. The agencies arrived at this judgment after reviewing new information on international energy research programmes.
"very unlikely" that a foreign actor used "a novel weapon or prototype device to harm even a subset" of US personnel and their families – five of the seven intelligence agencies and departments
Despite these findings, the intelligence community emphasizes that it does not question "the experiences or suffering" of US diplomats and their families who have reported these incidents. The illnesses have been documented in various locations, including Washington and China, further complicating efforts to establish a singular cause.
"do not have a consistent set of physical injuries" – US intelligence community
One intelligence body acknowledges that new information makes it "likely" that technology causing biological effects consistent with Havana Syndrome symptoms could be developed by foreign actors. However, this agency stopped short of linking such technology to any specific events reported as potential AHIs.
"roughly even chance" that a foreign power used "a novel weapon or prototype device to harm a small, undetermined subset" of US personnel and their families – one intelligence body
"roughly even chance" that a foreign actor would have developed a novel weapon "that could have harmed a small, undetermined subset" of US personnel and their families – second intelligence community agency or department
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