Archive · 14 Jan 2026
US Investigates Device Linked to Havana Syndrome
The US government has bought a special device that might be connected to a mystery illness called Havana Syndrome.
This illness has affected American diplomats and spies, causing symptoms like bad headaches and dizziness.
The device can produce special radio waves and is small enough to fit in a backpack.
It was bought for millions of dollars and has parts from Russia.
Some people who got sick think Russia is responsible and want the US government to say sorry.
The US is still studying the device to see if it really caused the illnesses.
US officials acquired a device for millions that may be linked to Havana Syndrome.
The device produces pulsed radio waves and contains Russian components.
Havana Syndrome symptoms include severe headaches, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties.
US intelligence assesses it's unlikely a foreign adversary caused the incidents, but victims believe Russia is responsible.
The device is small enough to fit in a backpack, raising concerns about its potential proliferation.
- Who
- US officials, Havana Syndrome victims, Russian components
- What
- Investigation of a device linked to Havana Syndrome
- When
- Acquired in late Biden administration, ongoing study
- Where
- Washington D.C., United States
- Why
- To understand if the device is connected to Havana Syndrome
- Device Acquisition
- Purchased by HSI for 'eight figures'
- Device Capability
- Produces pulsed radio waves
- Device Origin
- Contains Russian components
- Device Size
- Fits in a backpack
- Havana Syndrome Symptoms
- Severe headaches, vertigo, nausea, cognitive difficulties
- US Intelligence Assessment
- Unlikely caused by foreign adversary (as of 2025)
- Victims' Stance
- Believe Russia is responsible, demand apology
Sources
'Bleeding noses, blood vomiting, mass paralysis': Did US deploy 'sonic weapons' in Venezuela operation that extracted Maduro?
Havana Syndrome caused by device emitting pulsed radio waves? New report says US bought mysterious device
Did A Device Bought By US In Undercover Op Cause Mystery Illness Among Spies, Diplomats? Buzz Grows
