In what could be a breakthrough in the puzzling case of the “Havana Syndrome,” a recent media investigation has suggested that a covert Russian intelligence unit may be responsible for the series of unexplained health incidents affecting U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers around the world. The symptoms, which include intense headaches, hearing loss, and brain injuries, have been termed “Havana Syndrome” after they were first reported by U.S. diplomats in Cuba in 2016.
The joint investigation by Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes has unearthed evidence that suggests a possible link to the Russian GRU’s Unit 29155, a group previously implicated in a string of international incidents, such as the poisoning of defector Sergei Skripal in the UK. This notorious unit specializes in overseas military intelligence operations, including assassination and political destabilization.
Despite the U.S. defense department and intelligence agencies previously concluding that it was “very unlikely” the incidents were caused by a foreign adversary, the investigation contends that “anomalous health incidents” may originate from “directed energy weapons wielded by members of Russian GRU Unit 29155.”
The report outlines that members of the GRU unit have been geolocated at the scenes of suspected attacks on U.S. government personnel. Some victims reportedly identified Russian operatives from photographs. Additionally, the investigation indicates that these incidents might have commenced earlier than initially believed, potentially starting in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2014, rather than Havana in 2016.
Moreover, senior members of Unit 29155 have allegedly received commendations for the development of “non-lethal acoustic weapons,” and the investigation provides accounts of U.S. staff being seriously harmed, with some incidents reportedly resulting in life-altering injuries and premature retirements.
The Kremlin has dismissed these findings as “baseless,” with Kremlin press official Dmitry Peskov labeling the accusations as unfounded and emphasizing the lack of convincing evidence. However, U.S. officials have continued to express concern over the mysterious syndrome, citing the significant impact it has had on the morale and recruitment of diplomats, as acknowledged by the American Foreign Service Association in 2022.
As tension between U.S. and Russian intelligence services continues to be a global concern, the Havana Syndrome remains a vexing issue. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the government is “working overtime across the entire government to get to the bottom of what happened, who’s responsible,” ensuring care for those affected and protection for all personnel.
The White House and FBI have committed to continuing the investigation into the causes and consequences of these incidents. Meanwhile, the media report advances the theory that “Havana Syndrome shows all the markings of a Russian hybrid warfare operation,” which, if confirmed, would represent one of Vladimir Putin’s most strategic victories against the United States.
Relevant articles:
– ‘Havana syndrome’ linked to Russian unit, media investigation suggests | Cuba
– ‘Havana Syndrome’ linked to Russian intelligence — report – DW – 04, DW (English), Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:07:23 GMT
– Havana Syndrome linked to Russian military agency GRU, investigation indicates, POLITICO Europe, Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:19:00 GMT
– ‘Havana syndrome’ possibly linked to Russian intelligence, media report finds, Euronews, Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:51:07 GMT