Blinken to diplomats: ‘I wish we had more answers’ on Havana syndrome

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is working to reassure and aid staff concerned over unexplained health incidents that have impacted diplomats at home and abroad, but admitted the government has few answers surrounding the so-called Havana syndrome.

The secretary sent an email to State Department staff Thursday, addressing concerns that diplomats and their families heading abroad might be at risk of the mysterious incidents that have reportedly impacted nearly 200 staff across multiple federal agencies. Havana syndrome has caused a variety of health ailments, with one theory alleging they’re the result of “directed energy attacks” targeting U.S. officials.

“Employees going abroad are anxious about whether they or their families are at risk,” Blinken wrote in the email, which was obtained by The Hill. “That’s completely understandable, and I wish we had more answers for you.”

The message from the secretary was first reported by NBC news.

Blinken committed to providing health services for those impacted by the mysterious attacks.

“We’ll continue to seek answers, do our utmost to protect our people, and make sure everyone gets the care and treatment they need. You deserve nothing less from your State Department and your secretary,” Blinken wrote. “You have my word that your and your families’ health and safety is my number-one priority.”

The Biden administration is investigating the attacks on multiple fronts, at the CIA, the National Security Council, the Pentagon and State Department.

Reports of the attacks first surfaced in 2016, when diplomats working in Havana reported suffering a variety of mysterious neurological symptoms including vertigo, insomnia and cognitive difficulties, which have persisted. They said the symptoms occurred alongside strange high and low pitched sounds, and also feeling a vacuum pressure around the ears.

U.S. officials serving in China, Russia, Britain and Austria have reported experiencing similar incidents.

Congress is also taking action on efforts to address Havana syndrome, with a bipartisan group of Senators on Tuesday introducing legislation that would earmark at least $45 million to supplement government response efforts, with $30 million of that sum for medical expenses for those impacted.

The bill would also establish a point person at the National Security Council to oversee a whole-of-government response to the attacks. 

—Updated at 6:22 p.m.