House GOP Chair Rick Crawford has accused US intelligence agencies of being involved in a "cover-up" related to the "Havana Syndrome," an unusual illness affecting numerous US officials both domestically and internationally.
Chairman Crawford, from the House Intelligence Committee, stated that his investigation into Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) has led him to believe that "at least some of those attacks were perpetrated by a foreign entity." He expressed his concerns during an interview at the House GOP's annual retreat in Florida.
The House intel panel has been examining complaints from federal employees experiencing sudden symptoms like vertigo, migraines, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment since 2023, with Crawford's interest dating back a decade. The term "Havana Syndrome" originated from incidents reported by American diplomats in Cuba in 2016.
Initially, the focus of the House investigations was on the lack of proper treatment and dismissal of concerns raised by diplomats and federal employees. Crawford highlighted that individuals faced career repercussions and were even threatened when disclosing their symptoms.
A December 2024 interim report from the Intelligence Committee criticized intelligence agencies for obstructing inquiries and providing a misleading assessment of the syndrome. The report suggested that a foreign adversary might be responsible for some AHIs.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been advocating for transparency in assessments related to the attacks, criticizing the Biden administration's intelligence leaders for incomplete assessments. Gabbard aims to conduct a new investigation into AHIs and make the findings public.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe supports the internal review and eventual publication of findings concerning the incidents. Former intelligence officials have hinted at Russia's involvement in the initial Havana incidents, but Crawford refrained from confirming this, stating that while some attacks were likely carried out by a foreign entity, specific attributions are not yet disclosed.
Ratcliffe, Gabbard, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other agency heads are expected to address worldwide threats, including the Havana syndrome, during their testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on March 17.
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