House Intelligence Chair Calls for Retraction of Controversial Havana Syndrome Report

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) has demanded the U.S. intelligence community retract a 2023 report asserting that the condition known as Havana Syndrome was not caused by foreign adversaries. This report, part of the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), has faced scrutiny for its methodology and conclusions, which Crawford argues have harmed U.S. personnel affected by the syndrome.

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

Havana Syndrome first emerged in 2016, affecting U.S. intelligence and diplomatic personnel in Cuba, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, memory lapses, fatigue, migraines, dizziness, cognitive problems, and hearing loss. Victims have reported hearing strange noises prior to experiencing these symptoms, although some experts have suggested these sounds could be attributed to crickets. The condition has puzzled intelligence officials for nearly a decade, with ongoing debates about its origins.

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

The March 2023 ICA concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support claims that foreign adversaries were responsible for the reported cases of Havana Syndrome. The assessment, led by the CIA and supported by six other intelligence agencies, stated that it is "very unlikely" that a foreign adversary caused the incidents. This conclusion has been met with significant criticism, particularly from Crawford, who has labeled the report as lacking "analytic integrity and thoroughness."

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

Crawford's demand for a retraction follows the death of Mike Beck, a former National Security Agency counterintelligence official who believed he was a victim of a microwave weapon related to Havana Syndrome. Beck's claims were supported by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which in December 2020 suggested that the symptoms were likely caused by "directed, pulsed-radio frequency energy." Critics, including Crawford, argue that the intelligence community's handling of Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) has been flawed and has failed to adequately support affected personnel.

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

Crawford expressed deep concern over the intelligence community's treatment of those affected by Havana Syndrome, stating, “It has been clear that the IC’s handling of Anomalous Health Incidents has been deeply flawed.” He emphasized the need for corrective measures to address the issues faced by U.S. personnel. Additionally, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has criticized the government's past handling of the syndrome and pledged to continue investigating the matter.

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

Crawford's committee has conducted extensive interviews and depositions related to Havana Syndrome and has made a criminal referral concerning the investigation. He has vowed to ensure that oversight effectively addresses the issues identified in the ongoing inquiry, indicating that the investigation into the origins and handling of Havana Syndrome will continue.

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

• “This flawed document has caused serious harm to some of our nation’s bravest.” — Rick Crawford, House Intelligence Committee Chairman

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

• “It has been clear that the IC’s handling of Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs) has been deeply flawed, failing the brave men and women who have served our country across the globe. We must correct the way we have treated some of our bravest.” — Rick Crawford, House Intelligence Committee Chairman

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

• “Most IC agencies have concluded that it is ‘very unlikely’ a foreign adversary is responsible for the reported” — Intelligence Community Assessment, March 2023

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome

• “We will not stop until oversight has effectively corrected all issues identified pursuant to the investigation,” — Rick Crawford, House Intelligence Committee Chairman

House Intel chair demands recall of ‘flawed’ report saying US foes didn’t cause Havana Syndrome