By Trend News Line 2024-04-01 20:58:47.
US Officials Stand by Intelligence Assessment
US officials have reiterated their support for a year-old intelligence assessment that ruled out the possibility of a foreign adversary being responsible for the mysterious health problems affecting American personnel worldwide. Despite a new investigation suggesting Russian involvement, the White House, Pentagon, and State Department have all stood by the conclusions of the National Intelligence Council’s report from March 2023.
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New Investigation Points to Russian Involvement
A joint investigation by CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Germany’s Der Spiegel, and The Insider has raised concerns about the accuracy of the 2023 intelligence assessment. The investigation, which included travel documents, mobile phone records, and eyewitness testimony, pointed to Russia’s notorious military intelligence unit, Unit 29155, as a potential culprit. According to the report, the symptoms experienced by victims are consistent with the effects of directed energy weapons.
US Intelligence Agencies Respond
Despite the findings of the new investigation, US intelligence agencies have maintained their stance that a foreign adversary is unlikely to be behind the anomalous health incidents. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) have declined to comment on the latest developments but referred to the Worldwide Threat Assessment issued by US intelligence agencies last month.
Recorded Cases of Havana Syndrome
Since the initial reports of unexplained illnesses at the US embassy in Havana in 2016, officials have recorded approximately 1,500 cases of Havana Syndrome affecting personnel in various countries, including Cuba, Russia, China, Poland, Austria, and the United States. Victims have reported symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and memory problems.
Conflicting Reports on the Cause
An initial investigation suggested that the symptoms could be linked to a weapon, a theory supported by a 2022 report by a panel of experts. However, in the same year, US intelligence officials began to doubt this hypothesis, with the CIA suggesting that most cases could be explained by medical conditions or environmental factors.
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Rejection of Accusations by Russia
Russia has rejected the accusations made in the recent investigation, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing them as groundless. Despite the ongoing debate over the cause of Havana Syndrome, new cases continue to be reported, including one involving a US defense official during a NATO summit in Lithuania.
Concern for Personnel’s Health
Pentagon officials have expressed concern about the potential use of directed-energy weapons by US adversaries, emphasizing the need to protect servicemembers and civilians from any health impacts. State Department officials have reassured employees that there will be no repercussions for speaking out against the intelligence findings and have highlighted the support available through the HAVANA ACT for those affected by Havana Syndrome..
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