A joint media investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS's 60 Minutes has linked the mysterious 'Havana Syndrome' symptoms experienced by US diplomats to a Russian intelligence unit. The syndrome was first reported in 2016 when US diplomats in Cuba fell ill and heard piercing sounds at night. Subsequently, embassy staff in China, Europe, and Washington, D.C. reported symptoms including bloody noses, headaches, and vision problems. The investigation suggests that the Russian GRU Unit 29155 may be responsible for the directed energy weapons used in these incidents. The same unit has been previously blamed for international incidents, including the attempted poisoning of defector Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018. The Kremlin has dismissed these allegations as 'groundless' [a13504e4] [7eb9fdaf].
A retired US military investigator, Greg Edgreen, who ran the Pentagon investigation into the syndrome, believes that US officials are being targeted by Russia, causing the mysterious symptoms known as Havana Syndrome. Edgreen referred to the incidents as 'anomalous health incidents.' The investigation revealed that an FBI official named Carrie fell victim to the symptoms while investigating an alleged Russian spy. Recent studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found no consistent evidence of brain injury but suggested that the symptoms may be caused by preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, environmental factors, and other factors. Edgreen noted that the affected officials were high-performing officers with a focus on Russia. The investigation also uncovered a document from a Russian intelligence unit mentioning a project involving 'potential capabilities of non-lethal acoustic weapons,' although this is not considered solid proof of the cause of Havana Syndrome [2be761a1].
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the White House, and the FBI have reiterated that investigating these incidents remains a top priority [105cf295].
The findings of a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) do not contradict the conclusions of US intelligence agencies. The study, which included over 80 Havana Syndrome patients, did not examine the likelihood of a weapon or trigger for the symptoms. The study found no consistent evidence of brain injury but suggested that the symptoms may be caused by preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, environmental factors, and other factors [f0306eb0].
As the US presidential elections approach, the old story of ultrasound attacks, known as the Havana Syndrome, resurfaces. The attacks were previously blamed on the Cuban secret services, leading to a deterioration of US-Cuba relations. A new survey now points the finger at GRU 29155, a squadron of the Russian military intelligence service. The squadron allegedly possesses an 'energy weapon' that can cause throbbing headaches. The timing of these accusations is seen as a tactic to scare those interested in improving relations with Cuba. The outcome of the elections will determine the future approach towards Cuba. If Joe Biden is re-elected, he may ease the economic and commercial blockade against Cuba, as he promised during his campaign. However, if Donald Trump returns to power, a more hostile approach is expected. The Miami opposition has already prepared a bill to prohibit aid or financing for new Cuban entrepreneurs. The bill also aims to punish countries that pay the Cuban government in exchange for sending Cuban doctors to provide free health services. Meanwhile, Cuba is hosting the Europe Month event, a platform for building links between European and Cuban artists and institutions. The event includes a European film festival and the Festival of New Latin American Cinema is also open for film submissions. The festival will take place in December 2024 [1d0d2232].