WASHINGTON — Tensions are escalating within the US intelligence community over compelling evidence suggesting that Russia might be responsible for the mysterious ailment known as “Havana Syndrome.” This illness has afflicted hundreds of US personnel, prompting Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to advocate for the release of these findings, which the Biden administration has allegedly suppressed.
Insiders have informed The Post that US intelligence agencies privately concluded that Moscow is behind these attacks, which started in 2016, yet they have refrained from making this determination public. Former intelligence officials have also indicated that US authorities may have secured at least one of the devices used in these incidents, a significant development highlighted by CBS News’ “60 Minutes” feature on Sunday.
The syndrome, named after its initial occurrence among US diplomats in Cuba, manifests through sudden symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss, migraines, blindness, and cognitive difficulties. It has become a point of contention and concern within the government.
A confidential report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence criticizes the Biden administration’s intelligence community for allegedly covering up these findings, as per a source who has reviewed the document. Nonetheless, this report’s public disclosure has been postponed.
CBS News has pointed to Russia as the probable perpetrator, though some officials express concerns that officially accusing Moscow could jeopardize sensitive negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict and hinder efforts to strengthen economic relations with Russia, as indicated by sources familiar with the ongoing discussions.
CBS News reported that Russia was the likely culprit, but some officials worry formally blaming Moscow could complicate delicate negotiations to end the Ukraine war and deepen economic ties with Russia, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Others say the biggest resistance to Gabbard is coming from the Central Intelligence Agency.
Asked for a response to the allegation, the CIA said “Director Ratcliffe supports DNI Gabbard’s efforts to review the AHI issue and looks forward to her report on this important matter.”
“The health and security of CIA personnel is of the utmost importance to the Director,” the agency added.
In a covert operation, American agents secretly purchased a miniaturized microwave weapon from a Russian criminal network for roughly $15 million as part of a Pentagon-backed effort to better understand the mysterious attacks, according to CBS.
Tests conducted at a US military laboratory on animals, including rats and sheep, produced neurological injuries similar to those seen in Havana Syndrome patients.
Scientists involved in earlier government investigations have also said the symptoms are most consistent with exposure to pulsed microwave or radiofrequency energy — technology that Soviet researchers studied extensively during the Cold War.
The potential implications stunned senior national security officials who were briefed in the White House Situation Room in April 2025.
Attendees left that meeting “white in the face,” according to two sources in the room, after learning the illness may be caused by a signal-based technology capable of targeting brain tissue from a distance.
Officials warned the signal could theoretically be transmitted through everyday electronics — even cell phones, potentially turning devices carried by billions into neurological weapons.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll later briefed Vice President JD Vance on the revelations, including allegations the technology’s existence had been concealed while victims’ symptoms were publicly downplayed.
Meanwhile, the first known victim of the illness — a CIA official forced into medical retirement and publicly identified only as “Adam” — told The Post that a government investigator had contacted him regarding his experiences while employed at the agency and requested names of individuals who took part in the coverup.
The investigators said Gabbard has been presented with a list of officials allegedly involved in a government cover-up.
“I’ve heard Tulsi’s report is done,” he said. “Hopefully Tulsi’s team has identified the wrongdoers and will hold them accountable.”
Investigators initially planned to offer implicated officials two weeks to come clean before suffering the loss of security clearances, termination or even referrals for possible criminal prosecution, a source familiar told The Post.
“Stage one was kind of this, like, ‘Hey, there was a cover-up,’” the person said. “Phase two was going to be the 14-day amnesty period for people to come forward and save themselves.”
Now, the process has stalled, with some of those in line to be named and shamed still holding senior positions at the CIA.
“They have the people responsible, and they’re not doing anything,” the source said. “They have the list … They have the evidence. They just won’t release it.”
A spokesperson for Gabbard’s office said the intelligence chief remains committed to releasing the findings.
“Transparency and accountability is a top priority for the DNI,” the former Hawaii congresswoman’s office said in a statement.
“DNI Gabbard remains committed to sharing findings from ODNI’s review with the American people.”
