Scientist's Self-Experiment with Microwave Weapon Goes Awry in Spy Illness Probe
A Norwegian government scientist, aiming to disprove the mysterious illness known as 'Havana syndrome' affecting American spies and diplomats, conducted a risky self-test with a secret microwave weapon. The experiment backfired, leaving the researcher with neurological damage and symptoms identical to those reported by victims over the past decade.
The Enigma of Havana Syndrome and Its Global Impact
First reported in late 2016 among US and Canadian diplomatic personnel in Havana, Cuba, this condition, officially termed Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) by the US government, has reportedly impacted hundreds of officials worldwide. A 2020 National Academies of Sciences report concluded that 'directed, pulsed radio frequency energy' is the most plausible explanation for the core symptoms.
Victims describe hearing a loud, piercing sound or feeling intense pressure and vibration in the head from a specific direction. This leads to severe headaches, nausea, ear pain, and vertigo, with long-term effects including fatigue, insomnia, 'brain fog', memory loss, and persistent balance issues.
Details of the Controversial Self-Test and Its Aftermath
The researcher, whose identity remains undisclosed, was working to debunk theories linking the syndrome to a mysterious device allegedly used by US adversaries. However, the self-administered test with a prototype microwave weapon resulted in neurological harm, mirroring the symptoms of AHI cases. Those aware of the test noted it did not definitively prove that foreign adversaries are using similar weapons, as the effects on the scientist differed from 'classic' AHI presentations.
Nevertheless, this incident has bolstered arguments from experts who claim that 'pulsed-energy devices', which discharge powerful beams of electromagnetic energy like microwaves in brief bursts, can affect human biology and are likely under development by American foes.
Expert Opinions and Ongoing Government Investigations
Retired military surgeon and Air Force General Paul Friedrichs, who oversaw biological threats on the White House National Security Council under former President Joe Biden, stated, "I think there's compelling evidence that we should be concerned about the ability to build a directed-energy weapon that can cause a variety of risks to humans."
Despite the Trump administration's pledge to pursue the AHI issue, progress has been minimal. A review commissioned by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is expected to focus on the Biden administration's handling of the matter, though its publication has been delayed.
Recent Developments and Classified Nature of Research
In a recent development, the US government has reportedly acquired a foreign-manufactured device that produces pulsed radio waves, which some experts suspect could be linked to AHI incidents. This device is undergoing testing by the Department of Defense, but it is not identical to the one developed by the Norwegian scientists.
Much of the Norway test remains shrouded in secrecy due to its highly classified nature, highlighting the ongoing challenges in understanding and addressing this global health mystery.
