US finds no 'Havana syndrome' link to foreign powers, but 2 spy agencies say it's possible

The latest assessment from the US intelligence community indicates that, despite previous reports of mysterious "Havana Syndrome" injuries by US diplomats and other government personnel, there is currently no evidence of direct involvement by a foreign power. However, it is noteworthy that two intelligence agencies believe it cannot be ruled out that foreign adversaries may have developed or even deployed weapons causing these injuries.

This conclusion, echoing earlier findings, comes after a review by seven intelligence agencies or departments of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by US diplomats, military personnel, and government staff. These individuals had previously raised questions about the involvement of foreign adversaries. The new assessment released by US intelligence on Friday notes that five of the seven agencies concluded that it is highly unlikely that foreign adversaries caused these injuries.

However, two agencies reached different conclusions, suggesting that foreign powers may have developed or even used weapons capable of causing the reported injuries. It is speculated that such devices could utilize sound energy, microwaves, or other types of directed energy. The symptoms, including headaches, balance issues, and difficulties with thinking and sleeping, were first reported in Cuba in 2016, hence the name "Havana Syndrome," and have since been reported among hundreds of US personnel in multiple countries.

The Biden administration has faced pressure to investigate, as US personnel reported being attacked while working overseas, resulting in severe brain injuries and other symptoms. Some believe this is an effort to harass and harm Americans working abroad. However, officials have been unable to find a definitive explanation. In the new assessment, the two agencies did not find any specific incidents linked to technology developed by Russia or other countries, but their conclusions are based on their understanding of foreign weapons development and capabilities.

One of the agencies believes that the possibility of a foreign government using such weapons or prototype devices in "a small number, not identified" of cases involving US personnel is "roughly equal." The other agency believes that while foreign powers may have developed such weapons, it is unlikely they have been deployed in any of the reported cases. National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett stated in a statement that the new findings released on Friday represent a "shift in key judgments by some intelligence agencies," indicating the need for further investigation.

Savett stated, "Our focus on these priorities remains unwavering and must continue. The US government must continue to conduct critical research, investigate credible incidents, and enhance efforts to provide timely care and long-term clinical follow-up." A Republican lawmaker who led a separate investigation into these unexplained incidents accused the White House of concealing evidence of foreign involvement. Representative Rick Crawford of Arkansas, who leads the CIA subcommittee of the House Intelligence Committee, released a report last month concluding that it is "increasingly likely" that foreign adversaries are responsible for "some" of the incidents.

Crawford vowed in a statement to work with the incoming Trump administration to seek answers for affected federal employees and the public. He said, "Congress must continue to pursue the truth and accountability." An intelligence official who briefed reporters on the new assessment stated that the two agencies expressed "low confidence" in their findings that foreign governments may be developing or deploying weapons causing the injuries. The official, speaking anonymously under rules set by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, noted that other national security agencies have more confidence in their conclusions that foreign governments were not involved, and specific information obtained by US intelligence raises doubts about any foreign involvement. "There is no intelligence that links a foreign actor to any specific incident," the official told reporters.