A leaked letter purportedly written by a senior U.S. military official and published on social media on Monday challenges the government’s response to victims of Havana Syndrome, a mysterious series of health incidents that have affected staff at embassies and consulates abroad. highlights the obvious contradictions in
The letter, dated March 24, 2024 and signed by Air Force Brigadier General Shannon O’Haren, tells victims of “abnormal health incidents” (AHIs) that the Department of Defense believes their experiences and symptoms are genuine. At the same time, he assured them that they would receive high-quality medical care. I came.
This article explains how a declassified Senate report on AHI found that another government agency, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), mishandled and downplayed events in Cuba, China, and many other countries. It was posted on X by Canadian investigative journalist Catherine Herridge three days after it was revealed. of European countries.
Those affected suffered from headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, sometimes accompanied by unusual sensory experiences.
“We believe your experience is real, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to continue providing high-quality care to you and to those who qualify,” said Assigned to the Department of Defense’s AHI Cross-Functional Team. Mr O’Haren wrote:
“Rest assured, we continue our efforts to investigate the causes of AHI, thoroughly review reports and studies, and care and treat you with respect and compassion throughout this process.”
O’Hallen wrote the letter to “dear colleagues” in response to two studies published in March by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that found no significant physical injuries or changes in the victims. He is said to have written.
Separately, intelligence agencies determined that a foreign enemy was unlikely to have been involved and distanced themselves from reports linking the incident to handheld microwave weapons developed by Russia and China.
The Senate report found that Mr O’Haren’s promise of “high quality care” had not materialized. Nearly 100 CIA personnel who have reported symptoms have faced “delays, denials, or preconditioning of treatment” and struggled to access benefits, the report said.
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Overall, the report concluded that the CIA’s response to the incident that occurred in Havana in 2016 and quickly spread to U.S. diplomatic facilities in many other countries was flawed and inconsistent. .
More than 1,500 episodes of Havana syndrome have been reported worldwide, but victims seeking treatment and other assistance were routinely refused or had their requests challenged. The approval rate for workers’ compensation claims by CIA employees was 21%, compared with a 67% approval rate for other departments that were less aggressive in contesting claims, the report said.
The Guardian has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the O’Haren letter, and the Department of Defense did not respond to requests for comment.
Herridge, a veteran freelance investigative reporter previously employed by Fox News and CBS News, declined to say how he obtained the letter.
Another post by Herridge on Monday featured an interview with a former intelligence officer who suffered career-ending injuries and accused the government of “gaslighting” Americans over Havana Syndrome. .
