A medically retired CIA officer, under the pseudonym "Alice," has revealed unsettling allegations about mistreatment and deception by government officials related to 'Havana Syndrome.'
According to Mail Online, Alice's story highlights the severe gaslighting and neglect she and others have faced from the authorities concerning their unexplained medical ailments.
Alice, in her interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, disclosed that she spent two decades in government service, enduring symptoms that began manifesting during her tenure. These symptoms, which include dizziness, intense head pressure, and cognitive difficulties, have greatly impacted her quality of life and career.
Havana Syndrome first came to light in 2016 when U.S. and Canadian officials in Havana reported similar health issues. The condition has since surfaced among personnel worldwide, pushing U.S. agencies to investigate the phenomenon.
Alice recounted a harrowing experience during her service in Africa where she faced acute episodes after hearing an unusual noise. This incident left her grappling with significant pain and vertigo, leading to the use of a service dog for mobility and support.
The symptoms of Havana Syndrome have not only debilitated her physically but have also stripped Alice of her professional capabilities. She expressed the profound disruption this has brought to her life, emphasizing how her cognitive abilities, crucial for her role in the CIA, were severely compromised.
Alongside physical health struggles, Alice faces a daunting bureaucratic battle to access necessary medical treatments and benefits. She alleges that the response from the CIA has been dismissive and obstructive, exacerbating her plight and that of her colleagues suffering from similar symptoms.
The financial toll on Alice has been substantial. Despite receiving some aid through the Havana Act—a law designed to support affected personnel—she has incurred over $100,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses.
The exact cause of Havana Syndrome remains unidentified, although prevailing theories suggest pulsed electromagnetic energy or ultrasound via sonic weapons might be responsible. Alice attributes her affliction to covert attacks by Russian military intelligence, specifically the GRU, though this remains a contentious and unconfirmed claim within the international community.
While the Department of Defense acknowledges the real suffering of the victims and supports them, Alice criticizes the CIA for its lackluster approach. She accuses the agency of covering up the seriousness of the incidents and neglecting the care of the affected individuals.
Her frustration with the agency is palpable as she calls for accountability and improved care, "I want them to stop hurting my friends. I want them to give everyone I care about medical care and Havana Act payments and to take care of us in the long term," she stated fervently.
The syndrome is under ongoing investigation by government and non-government agencies alike, each striving to conclude the mysterious condition's origins and implications. Meanwhile, sufferers like Alice continue to live with the consequences, advocating for recognition and substantial support.
The Department of Defense has shown support, unlike the CIA, according to Alice. This difference in approach has laid bare an inter-agency divide on handling the matter, with victims feeling caught in the middle.
Alice's closing thoughts in the interview underscored the grave nature of her accusations and the broader implications for oversight and transparency within national intelligence services. She warned, "It's a coverup and it's terrifying, and it should be terrifying to all Americans," a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those in the shadows of international espionage and public service.
The narrative brought forth by Alice sheds light on the darker sides of government operations, bringing into question the measures in place to protect those who serve. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, waiting for clarity and justice for the sufferers of Havana Syndrome.
For now, Alice and her peers wait in hope, pushing for a future where their ailments are acknowledged and adequately addressed, no longer sidelined by the very entities they served under. Alice emphasizes the need for lasting change within the handling of such cases to prevent similar breaches of trust in the future.
