Due To Havana Syndrome, CIA Station Chief In Vienna Fired

JAKARTA - The United States Intelligence Service (CIA) has fired its station chief in Vienna, Austria, following criticism of his management, including what some consider an inadequate response to reports of the 'Havana syndrome' incident at the US Embassy in Jakarta. there, says the Washington Post.

The Post, citing unnamed US and former US officials, said the move sent a message for leaders to take Havana syndrome seriously, a series of mysterious illnesses that include migraines, nausea, memory loss and dizziness.

A CIA spokesman said the agency did not comment on specific incidents or officers.

The Washington Post said dozens of US personnel in the Austrian capital, including diplomats and intelligence officials, as well as several children of US employees, had reported symptoms of Havana syndrome.

As previously reported, CIA Director William Burns said in July, about 100 CIA members and family members, were among about 200 U.S. officials and relatives who became ill with Havana syndrome.

Burns, who was appointed by US President Joe Biden as the first career diplomat to serve as CIA chief, said in a National Public Radio (NPR) interview he had supported his agency's efforts to determine the cause of the syndrome and what was responsible.

He confirmed a number of measures taken by his side, such as the appointment of a senior officer who had led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head the task force investigating the syndrome, to multiplying the medical team personnel involved in the investigation.

The CIA has also shortened the waiting list for CIA-affiliated individuals to enter the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, from eight weeks to two weeks.

"In my opinion, it is a great obligation for every leader to ensure the safety of his people. And this is what I will try to do," said Burns quoting Reuters from NPR July 23.

The disease was first reported by officials based at the US Embassy in Cuba in 2016.

Burns said there was a "very strong possibility" that the syndrome was intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible. Moscow has denied involvement.

Last year, a panel of the US National Academy of Sciences found that the most plausible theory was that "directed and pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome.