Energy attacks could be behind some ‘Havana’ cases, say experts

A panel of intelligence experts hasn’t identified a single culprit for apparent brain injuries reported by US personnel that have been linked to so-called “Havana syndrome,” but several potential causes remain plausible, including the use of devices that emit beams of directed energy, officials said Thursday.

The CIA announced last week that the agency considers it unlikely Russia or another foreign adversary is mounting a broad campaign to attack Americans with energy-emitting devices. While most cases have been linked to other causes by doctors and experts, there remains a smaller subset of several dozen cases that experts believe could be explained by the deliberate use of energy.

In examining the science behind the incidents, the panel’s work is the latest announcement on a sensitive issue in diplomatic and scientific circles.