Dayton Reporter

Today, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner and CIA Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford voiced their disapproval of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's updated assessment on Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), often referred to as 'Havana Syndrome,' affecting U.S. embassies and missions globally.

"This updated assessment by ODNI concerning new intelligence on Anomalous Health Incidents, also known as ‘Havana Syndrome,’ continues the Biden Administration’s cover-up. This new intelligence, I believe, should completely change the assessment of our adversaries’ capabilities and the risks to our personnel. This will not age well for the Biden Administration," said Chairman Turner.

Chairman Crawford added his concerns about how these incidents are being addressed: "Today, the Biden Administration doubled down on misleading the American people about Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI). I led the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the handling of these incidents by the Intelligence Community (IC) in the 118th Congress, as I’ll continue to do in the 119th Congress. As I’ve said before, the evidence shows that a foreign adversary is likely responsible for several of the roughly 300 reported AHI cases. Not only are AHI-affected Americans being denigrated by this ‘new’ assessment, but the IC’s conclusions continue to ignore very serious process problems I’ve previously highlighted."

Crawford emphasized ongoing issues with intelligence processes: "Bad process breeds bad conclusions, and forcing the release of a report at the bitter end of administration illustrates how ongoing IC leadership has broken faith with IC’s mission. Congress must continue working towards truth and seeking accountability."

On December 5, 2024, Crawford released an unclassified interim report suggesting that a foreign adversary might be responsible for some AHI cases. The report criticized efforts by intelligence agencies to hinder investigations into AHIs.

The interim report highlighted key points:

- There is an increasing likelihood that a foreign adversary is behind some reported AHIs.

- The development process for assessing AHIs lacked analytic integrity.

- Efforts were made to impede investigations by Crawford's subcommittee.

- Further work is needed to address investigative irregularities.

Additionally, there are calls for improved medical care for those affected by AHIs.