Havana Syndrome positively (possibly) not attributable to brain-scrambling vitality weapons

Havana Syndrome – the inexplicable sickness skilled by some US intelligence and diplomatic personnel – is sort of definitely not attributable to vitality weapons, in accordance with the US Workplace of the Director of Nationwide Intelligence. It has, somewhat, attributed the illness to pre-existing psychological well being challenges exacerbated by environmental situations.

First reported in 2016 by US and Canadian intelligence officers stationed in Cuba, Havana Syndrome was characterised by a wide range of unexplained auditory and cognitive signs. People reported listening to sudden loud noises that have been typically accompanied by ear ache. Others reported tinnitus, visible issues, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties. Comparable signs have been later skilled by intelligence personnel and repair members across the globe.  

A definitive trigger was by no means recognized, however a report produced by the US Nationwide Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medication discovered that the signs skilled by US diplomats in Cuba was per the usage of directed, pulsed radio frequency vitality.

“Most of the continual, nonspecific signs are additionally per identified RF results, equivalent to dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, nervousness, cognitive deficits, and reminiscence loss,” the report learn. “Total, directed, pulsed RF vitality, particularly in these with the distinct early manifestations, seems to be probably the most believable mechanism in explaining these circumstances.”

Nevertheless, an evaluation [PDF] carried out by the Workplace of the Director of Nationwide Intelligence concluded that “it’s ‘not possible’ a overseas adversary is liable for the reported anomalous well being incidents.”

It is price noting that the time period “not possible” – when used on this context by the Nationwide Intelligence Council – is a technical time period which means there’s roughly an 80 p.c probability it was one thing else.

That does not imply the signs weren’t actual. In a press release, the Director of Nationwide Intelligence emphasised that the “findings don’t name into query the very actual experiences and signs that our colleagues and their relations have reported,” and added that the officers acted appropriately once they reported the signs.

“We’re sincerely grateful to those that got here ahead because it helped to not solely form our response however establish areas the place we have to enhance our medical and counterintelligence protocols,” the assertion reads. ®