A CIA agent forced into medical retirement by a mysterious set of symptoms often dubbed “Havana Syndrome” is speaking out. According to the former agent, the CIA is actively suppressing the truth about the “anomalous health incidents,” or AHIs, that she and many other U.S. government employees around the world have experienced.
In an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge published on X, the agent says she is certain that she suffered an AHI and that the CIA is covering up the source.
“I want them to stop denying what is happening to us, and so there can be opportunities to collect the information that we need so that we can prevent this from happening to more people,” said the whistleblower, who spoke publicly under the pseudonym Alice.
Last year, the intelligence community released a report in which the agencies involved, including the CIA, said it was “very unlikely” the syndrome had a foreign cause.
However, the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee released a report earlier this month contradicting those findings. Instead, they say it “appears increasingly likely” that a foreign adversary caused the health incidents.
Affected agents and diplomats have reported symptoms including vertigo, dizziness, headaches and cognitive issues that disrupt everyday life.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the HAVANA Act into law, allowing for a one-time compensatory payment to Americans affected by AHIs.
“I was paid for my brain. I was paid for my ability to write well and to write for the president,” Alice said. “And I can’t do that the way I used to. And it’s really –– that’s one of the hardest parts.”
At least one whistleblower has filed a formal complaint. Progressive news outlet Salon reported in September that it had unearthed a whistleblower complaint filed last year. The whistleblower said the intelligence community was wrong and that classified documents proving so are being covered up.