Havana Syndrome - all in their heads or a Russian spy attack?

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US diplomats in Cuba in 2016 reported experiencing a range of symptoms that had no obvious cause - it became known as Havana Syndrome. Photograph: AP/Desmond Boylan
US diplomats in Cuba in 2016 reported experiencing a range of symptoms that had no obvious cause - it became known as Havana Syndrome. Photograph: AP/Desmond Boylan

In 2016 US diplomats in Cuba’s capital reported a range of mysterious symptoms that were soon experienced by colleagues in other parts of the world.

Staff reported bloody noses, headaches, stomach issues, vision problems and hearing strange sounds. The phenomenon was quickly dubbed the Havana Syndrome and investigations began to try to ascertain its origin – or if it was a real illness at all.

Now, a new report led by US investigative TV show 60 Minutes has said Russian intelligence is responsible, that it is a hybrid warfare tactic.

The finding contradicts a US government report last year which suggested that the “anomalous health incidents” were not caused by an energy weapon or foreign enemy.

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Julian Borger, Guardian world affairs editor tells In the News how the latest report is being received in the US – and Moscow.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast