On February 22, 2024, The Black Vault received a long-awaited response from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed on August 25, 2021. The request sought all records related to the “Havana Syndrome,” a mysterious condition that has affected U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers since 2016.
The Black Vault’s request aimed to uncover DIA reports, memos, assessments, and intelligence records pertaining to Havana Syndrome from 2016 to the date of processing. After a lengthy delay, the DIA located one document, consisting of six pages, responsive to the request. However, portions of the document were withheld under FOIA Exemptions 1, 3, and 6, citing reasons related to national security, protection of intelligence sources and methods, and privacy concerns.
The release of this document, albeit heavily redacted, marks a rare instance of official acknowledgment of records pertaining to Havana Syndrome. It provides a glimpse into the government’s efforts to understand and address the condition, which has been a source of controversy and concern.
The nature and origin of Havana Syndrome remain contentious topics. While some believe it to be the result of hostile actions by foreign adversaries, others argue that psychological factors or environmental causes could be at play. The U.S. government’s cautious approach to releasing information has fueled speculation and calls for greater transparency.
This post was published on February 23, 2024 2:07 pm
Newly obtained Secret Service records continue to shed light on the numerous biting incidents involving…
The Department of Defense (DoD) has released a set of heavily redacted emails in response…
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) response has raised new questions about a widely circulated…
In March 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) published publicly its Report on the Historical…
In September 2024, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with NASA seeking…
Background Welcome to the FBI Files on Historical Figures & Groups archive at The Black…