SECURITY
SECURITY

About 1,000 US diplomats and intelligence officials who have contracted a mysterious illness known as the “Havana Syndrome” may have been targeted with electromagnetic energy pulses, according to a report released today.
“Pulse electromagnetic energy, particularly in the radio frequency range, plausibly explains” the earache, dizziness and other symptoms of some of those suffering the condition, initially reported by American diplomats in Havana in 2016.
This report was written by experts inside and outside the government, at the request of National Intelligence Director, Avril Haynes, and Deputy CIA Director, David Cohen.
The combination of symptoms cannot be easily explained by known environmental or medical conditions among a subset of patients, the report said. The exact number of these persons is not disclosed in the report’s unclassified findings summary. Cases have also been reported in Russia, China, Tajikistan, and some African countries.
These findings are similar to those reached in 2020 by a study by the National Academy of Sciences. On January 20, a CIA interim report concluded that Russia or some other foreign power was unlikely to be behind the anomalous health incidents. The CIA noted, however, that about 24 of the 1,000 cases remain unexplained.
Also read: Israel | Disbanding network recruiting women to spy for Iran
The report released today does not delve into responsibility. But its conclusions are likely to fuel frustration among current and former officials who do not yet have a clear explanation for the chronic condition. “We are not looking at attribution or assigning it to a foreign adversary. We stuck to the causal mechanism,” a US intelligence official told reporters.
The experts found that the symptoms are genuine and compelling, based on medical reports and interviews with doctors and patients. Yet there is a gap in the source of these electromagnetic pulses.
People who have been accidentally exposed to electromagnetic energy – such as radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays – have reported sensations similar to the symptoms reported by the ‘Havana Syndrome’ victims.
Ultrasound could also account for the symptoms, but only if a victim was in close proximity to the beam, because “ultrasound propagates poorly through the air and building materials.” Psychological factors, such as stress and depression, alone cannot account for the main symptoms of the syndrome.
Source: euronews.com
Also read: Denmark | Accuses Moscow, Beijing and Tehran of espionage threats against it
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
CERIDES | 1st Planning Conference of the UCPM DEMONAX – Cyprus Earthquake Full-Scale Exercise
CERIDES – Centre of Excellence in Risk and Decision Sciences of European University Cyprus had a strong presence during the 1st Planning…
EMAK | New Operational Boost with Eight INTRUDER SE Drones
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection is moving forward with the procurement of eight INTRUDER SE-type unmanned aerial…
Department of Forestry | Reinforcement of the Fleet with New Specialised Fire Fighting Vehicles by HOUTRIS
The Forestry Department’s fleet is being reinforced with twenty-five new fire engines ahead of the forthcoming summer season.
Miltech Hellas – Saab | Constructive Discussions on the Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C System during DEFEA 2025
At the DEFEA 2025 defence exhibition, executives from Miltech Hellas engaged in constructive discussions with a Saab delegation regarding potential collaboration…
SEKPY | Helpdesk Platform for EDF & Co-Funded Projects showcased at DEFEA 2025
On the final day of DEFEA 2025, the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY) successfully hosted a pivotal parallel event titled “EDF & Funded Projects Helpdesk Platform”, held…
MILTECH HELLAS S.A. | Key Partner in the VBCI PHILOCTETES Programme
MILTECH HELLAS S.A. has officially announced its participation in the VBCI PHILOCTETES programme, in collaboration with KNDS France and…
DEFEA 2025 | Memorandum of Cooperation between the Union of HSAS and HASDIG
On Thursday, the Hellenic Shipyards Association (HSAS) and the Hellenic Aerospace Security & Defence Industries Group (HASDIG) signed a cooperation agreement, establishing a…
MILTECH – HORNET | Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS)
During DEFEA 2025, MILTECH HELLAS S.A. and HORNET, a subsidiary of ARQUUS—France’s primary supplier of light armoured vehicles—officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding…
DEFEA 2025 | Lockheed Martin Launched New STEM Scholarship Programme in Greece in Collaboration with DefencEduNet
The STEM scholarship programme was signed by DefencEduNet and Lockheed Martin within the framework of the International Defence and Security Exhibition DEFEA – Defence Exhibition Athens…