Two Agencies Suggest Foreign Weapon, Five Others Doubt Involvement

U.S. Intelligence Divided on Cause of "Havana Syndrome"

U.S. intelligence agencies remain divided on the cause of the mysterious "Havana Syndrome" injuries reported by American diplomats and other government personnel. While five agencies concluded that a foreign adversary was unlikely responsible, two others believe it's possible a foreign power developed or even deployed a weapon causing the injuries.

The new assessment, released on Friday, stems from a review by seven intelligence agencies examining cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American personnel. The review echoes earlier investigations that found no evidence of foreign involvement.

However, two agencies reached a different conclusion, suggesting a foreign power may have developed or used a weapon capable of causing the reported injuries. This weapon could potentially utilize acoustic energy, microwaves, or another form of directed energy.

The "Havana Syndrome" first emerged in Cuba in 2016, with American personnel experiencing headaches, balance problems, and cognitive difficulties. Similar symptoms have since been reported by hundreds of American personnel in various countries.

The Biden administration has faced pressure to investigate these incidents, particularly following reports of significant brain injuries. However, officials have been unable to find a definitive explanation.

The two agencies that remain open to the possibility of foreign involvement did not identify any specific episode linked to technology developed by Russia or another country. Their findings are based on their understanding of foreign weapon development and capabilities.

One agency believes there is a "roughly even chance" that a foreign government used such a weapon in a limited number of cases affecting U.S. personnel. The other agency, while acknowledging the possibility of such a weapon's development, doubts its deployment in any reported cases.

The new findings highlight the need for further investigation, according to National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. He emphasized the importance of continued research, investigation of credible incidents, and providing timely care and long-term clinical follow-up for affected individuals.

Republican Representative Rick Crawford, who led a separate investigation into the incidents, accused the White House of withholding evidence of foreign involvement. He vowed to work with the incoming Trump administration to seek answers for affected individuals and the public.

An intelligence official briefing reporters on the new assessment acknowledged the "low confidence" in the findings of the two agencies suggesting foreign involvement. They noted that other agencies were more confident in their assessment that foreign governments were not involved, and that specific intelligence information cast doubt on such involvement.

"There's no intelligence linking a foreign actor to any specific event," the official stated.