US has paid out about $3 million in compensation to those affected by Havana Syndrome

About $3 million in compensation has been paid by the United States government to personnel affected by the so-called Havana Syndrome, a mysterious neurological condition first reported by diplomats, intelligence agents and their family members.

These payments were made under the Havana Act, passed in 2021. The US Department of Defense said these are the first official compensation payments for affected personnel, while also stressing that it will continue to prioritize care and support for all those who have reported symptoms linked to the condition.

The first cases of Havana Syndrome were reported in 2016 by American diplomats at the US embassy in Cuba. Similar episodes were later identified among US personnel stationed in other countries, including China.

Those affected have described a range of symptoms, including hearing buzzing, clicking and unusual sounds, intense pressure in the head, dizziness, nausea and difficulty concentrating.

Former CIA analyst Erika Stith described her condition with the words “my brain is injured,” while calling for support for all those affected while serving their country.

For many years, the cause of Havana Syndrome has remained a subject of debate. One of the most widespread theories suggested that the symptoms may have been caused by microwaves or by an advanced weapon used by a foreign power against US personnel abroad.

However, last year, most US intelligence agencies concluded that it is “very unlikely” that these incidents resulted from the use of a new weapon or prototype device by a foreign actor.

Despite that assessment, the report by the National Intelligence Council underscores that the agencies do not question the experiences and suffering of those affected, acknowledging that they endured real symptoms that were often painful and traumatic.

In 2017, the United States withdrew more than half of its embassy staff in Havana after reports of unexplained symptoms. Canada, meanwhile, also significantly reduced its diplomatic staff in Cuba in 2019 after employees reported similar health problems.