Photo: Reuters 
World

Directed radio frequency plausible cause of 'Havana syndrome,' U.S. govt report finds

"Directed" radio frequency is the most plausible explanation for mysterious symptoms experienced by diplomats stationed in U.S. embassies in Havana and elsewhere, a U.S. government report said on Saturday.

migrator

Washington

The symptoms appear "to be consistent with the effects of directed, pulsed radio frequency energy," said the report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering.

Diplomats in some postings have been plagued with nausea, headache, dizziness and other unexplained symptoms. This "Havana syndrome" has long been the subject of intense speculation, given the nature of the symptoms, the location of the postings, and the silence of the US government.

Saturday's report marks the first time Washington has officially offered an explanation, although inconclusive.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in October that "significant U.S. government resources" had been dedicated to solving the mystery, in which more than 40 U.S. government employees were affected between 2016 into 2018.

The State Department said in June 2018 that it had brought home diplomats from Guangzhou, China, over concern they were suffering similar symptoms.

In addition to directed radio frequency, Saturday's report left open "the possibility of multiple causal factors including psychological and social factors."

NBC News and the New York Times first reported the findings of the report.

"We are pleased this report is now out and can add to the data and analyses that may help us come to an eventual conclusion as to what transpired," the New York Times quoted the State Department as saying.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

Tiger suspected of killing two persons trapped after 28 day search in Gudalur

More victims come forward with statements against granite baron Veeramani

TN bypolls 2026: C Ve Shanmugam, SP Velumani not in AIADMK list of star campaigners

'Vote chori, govt chori, now party chori': Rahul slams EC order on TMC

UN-backed experts cite possible US war crimes in Iran strikes

SCROLL FOR NEXT