The U.S. flag flaps in the stiff breeze off the Florida Straits at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba. U.S. Department of State photo.
“Havana Syndrome” is a term that has been making headlines in recent years³. This mysterious neurological illness, also known as Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI), has affected U.S. diplomats and government workers around the world³. The syndrome first gained attention in 2016 when members of the U.S. embassy in Havana reported unusual symptoms⁵.
The symptoms of Havana Syndrome are diverse and debilitating. They include memory loss, problems with hearing, and what appeared to be evidence of brain injury⁵. Sufferers reported a range of symptoms, including nausea, hearing loss, and memory lapses⁶. These symptoms could last for months, causing significant distress and disruption to the lives of those affected⁵.
The Russian Connection
A recent report has linked these mysterious ailments to Russia¹². The report suggests that Russian military intelligence operatives using energy weapons may have been behind Havana Syndrome⁵. Specifically, the report names Russian military intelligence Unit 29155 as likely behind the attacks¹. This unit is referred to as the 29155⁵.
However, it’s important to note that this conclusion is not universally accepted. For instance, a little more than a year before this report, the U.S. intelligence community publicly concluded it was “very unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible” for the symptoms⁴. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing uncertainty and controversy surrounding Havana Syndrome.
Unit 29155
Unit 29155 is a unit of the Russian military intelligence agency, GRU. It is tasked with foreign assassinations and other activities aimed at destabilizing European countries. The unit is thought to have operated in secret since at least 2008, though its existence only became publicly known in 2019.
The unit is commanded by Maj. Gen. Andrei Vladimirovich Averyanov and is based at the headquarters of the 161st Special Purpose Specialist Training Center in eastern Moscow. Its membership has included veterans from Russian wars in Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Ukraine.
Unit 29155 has been linked to several high-profile incidents. For instance, it has been associated with the attempted assassinations of Bulgarian arms dealer Emilian Gebrev in April 2015 and the former GRU Colonel Sergei Skripal in March 2018.
Conclusion
The mystery of Havana Syndrome continues to unfold. While recent reports suggest a link to Russia, definitive proof remains elusive. What is clear, however, is the significant impact this syndrome has had on U.S. diplomats and government officials. As investigations continue, it is hoped that more light will be shed on this perplexing condition.
Endnotes
(1) What Is Havana Syndrome? Unveiling The Mysterious Illness Linked To Russia. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/what-is-havana-syndrome-unveiling-the-mysterious-illness-linked-to-russia/ar-BB1kUbJ6.
(2) Havana Syndrome mystery solved? Putin spies tied to US diplomat “attacks”. https://www.newsweek.com/havana-syndrome-russia-gru-energy-weapon-cuba-us-officials-1885477.
(3) Russian spies blamed for ‘Havana syndrome’ attacks on US diplomats. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/havana-syndrome-russia-brain-injuries-military-intelligence-hfff33xsc.
(4) Russia behind ‘Havana Syndrome’ attacks on US spies and diplomats, new report says. https://news.yahoo.com/russia-behind-havana-syndrome-attacks-193047351.html.
(5) Russian assassination unit linked to U.S. officials’ “Havana syndrome”. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/russian-assassination-unit-linked-to-us-officials-havana-syndrome/ar-BB1kQY4s
(6) Russia behind ‘Havana Syndrome’ attacks on US spies and diplomats … – MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/russia-behind-havana-syndrome-attacks-on-us-spies-and-diplomats-new-report-says/ar-BB1kTLRJ.
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