WASHINGTON – The House Intelligence Committee is launching an investigation into the so-called “Havana syndrome,” a mysterious health condition that has afflicted multiple U.S. officials and diplomats.
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, who chairs the committee, confirmed the launch of the inquiry, which focuses on “the targeting of men and women serving our nation and the health care they receive if they are harmed,” he said in a statement.
The condition, dubbed “anomalous health incidents” by the federal government, involves symptoms related to sudden, unexplained head trauma, including pressure and dizziness.
The first known cases occurred in 2016 among officials working at the U.S. embassy in Havana, Cuba.
The inquiry comes after a recent “60 Minutes” report, which uncovered evidence that links Russia to the injuries. The Kremlin has denied responsibility.
In an interview Monday on “Dan Abrams Live,” a U.S. government employee who has reported long-term effects from the condition told NewsNation, “It’s very clearly a Russian operation.”
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., will lead the House intel investigation, which “will continue until we are satisfied with the Intelligence Community’s response to this challenge,” he told NewsNation in a statement.
“The care and protection of all personnel who serve our nation in the Intelligence Community, the diplomatic service, the military, and the missions they perform, are of the utmost importance,” Crawford said.
Lawmakers expect to continue working on the investigation into May.