The U.S. military has reportedly acquired and subsequently tested a mysterious device potentially linked to Havana Syndrome on rats and sheep at a classified military laboratory, confidential sources told CBS News’ 60 Minutes.
Former CIA officers and anonymous sources said the tests were intended to better understand how the weapon could produce the injuries reported in humans.
According to sources, the Pentagon spent $15 million to acquire the device from a Russian criminal network. It is believed capable of inflicting injuries similar to those experienced by diplomats, spies, and military personnel.
According to sources, the weapon is small enough to be carried by a person yet powerful enough to blast through windows and drywall, striking targets hundreds of feet away.
Sources of the news outlet said that U.S. tests on animals produced injuries “consistent with those seen in humans.”
People affected by Havana Syndrome have reported a range of symptoms including sudden head pressure, hearing and vision problems and dizziness. In severe cases, individuals have experienced lasting neurological issues, such as memory loss, trouble concentrating, and other cognitive impairments.
CBS’ reporting highlights the story of Chris, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, who experienced repeated unexplained attacks near Washington, D.C.
“The very first incident occurred in August of 2020. And what it felt like was that, someone punched me in the throat, and my left ear was clogged. And I started to get sharp shooting pains going down my left arm.”
Chris, who was working on highly classified spy satellite programs, said he was struck five times over the course of five months.
The new disclosures come as debate over the syndrome continues, with many former government officials accusing authorities of downplaying or ignoring the mysterious brain injuries for years.
Since 2016, U.S. intelligence officers, military personnel, diplomats, and even their family members have reported experiencing Havana Syndrome–like symptoms while stationed in countries such as China, India, and across Europe, as well as in Washington, D.C.
So far, roughly 1,000 cases have been documented worldwide, though many remain unexplained.
