 "Norwegian scientist develops ‘Havana Syndrome' after testing secret device on himself. Image courtesy: Pixabay")
The debate around “Havana syndrome”, which is an unexplained medical condition with severe symptoms, including headaches and dizziness, first experienced by American diplomats posted in the Cuban capital, has intensified again. This was after a scientist in Norway tested a secret microwave device on himself in 2024 to disprove the existence of this ailment. However, it did not go well, and he began developing symptoms similar to those of American personnel in Havana.
Here’s what we know about this secret experiment and Havana syndrome.
How did a Norwegian scientist suffer brain damage?
An unidentified government scientist in Norway reportedly built a machine capable of emitting powerful pulses of microwave energy, in an effort to prove that such devices are harmless to humans. He also tested it on himself, reports The Washington Post.
However, he began experiencing neurological symptoms similar to those reported in Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) cases. The term AHI is used by the US to refer to the unexplained condition that was first reported among diplomats posted in Cuba. Similar incidents have been reported in China, Europe and Washington.
The Norwegian government informed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) about the results, leading to at least two visits in 2024 by Pentagon and White House officials. This secret test in Norway has not been previously reported.
Sources familiar with the test said the symptoms experienced by the Norwegian researcher did not fully match those seen in a typical AHI case. However, this strengthened claims by those who argue that pulsed-energy devices can impact human health and are likely being developed by US adversaries.
What is Havana Syndrome?
Havana Syndrome refers to a set of unexplained, often sudden, neurological symptoms reported by US diplomats, intelligence officials, and their families stationed abroad. Those affected experienced severe headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
The phenomenon first surfaced in 2016 among US embassy staff posted in Havana. Hence, it got the name “Havana Syndrome”. Since the initial cases in Cuba, cases have also been reported across more than 15 countries, including Russia, China, India, and the UK, according to an NDTV report.
Research led by the National Institutes of Health has revealed that symptoms experienced by patients have been genuine and sometimes severe. However, brain scans did not show clear evidence of consistent physical injury. The CIA has looked into the health incidents. However,
Intelligence reviews have concluded that it is unlikely that a foreign adversary was involved.
The medical community has not officially recognised the disease, though the US government has launched initiatives such as the HAVANA Act to provide compensation to affected employees.
According to some researchers, the symptoms may stem from stress-related conditions or environmental factors. Others have examined the possibility of pulsed microwave or directed-energy devices being involved, although no conclusive proof has been found.
Did the US acquire a mysterious device linked to AHI?
The Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the US government covertly purchased a different foreign-made device that produces pulsed radio waves. It was acquired at the end of the Biden administration. Experts believe that this could be linked to AHI incidents.
The device is currently undergoing testing by the Defence Department. While it contains components of Russian origin , the US authorities have yet to determine who manufactured it, the report noted.
Last month, a CNN report claimed that the US government had spent more than a year examining the device purchased in an undercover operation, which could be the cause of mysterious illnesses.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), purchased it for millions of dollars using funds provided by the Department of Defence near the end of the Biden administration, according to a media report.
The device built by the Norwegian scientist was different from the one secretly acquired by the US government.
According to people familiar with the matter, the Norwegian machine was developed using “classified information,” indicating it may have been based on designs or materials stolen from a foreign government, the report noted.
Could a foreign enemy be involved?
Some former officials and AHI victims have pointed to Russia as the leading suspect in the AHI incidents, citing its long-standing research into directed-energy technologies. However, no conclusive proof has been made public so far, and Moscow has denied involvement, a report noted.
Most US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and several others, maintain that it is “very unlikely” the incidents were caused by a foreign adversary or that a foreign actor had developed a novel weapon.
In January 2022, the CIA released an interim assessment that concluded that a foreign state was unlikely to be responsible for Havana syndrome .
A year later, in March 2023, the full intelligence community issued an assessment that unanimously concluded that foreign adversaries were unlikely to be behind the incidents.
“There is no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or (intelligence) collection device that is causing AHIs,” said the unclassified version of their report, according to the Washington Post.
Who are the victims of Havana syndrome?
A top aide to then-CIA Director William J Burns reported symptoms while travelling in India in 2021, according to the news outlet.
Speaking at a Foreign Policy Research Institute conference in Philadelphia earlier this month, retired Air Force Lt Col Chris Schlagheck said he experienced five incidents at his Northern Virginia home in 2020. It was only last year that a doctor linked his symptoms to those first reported from Havana.
With inputs from agencies