Sonic weapons: the science, history, and controversy behind sound-based warfare -

Sonic weapons

Sonic weapons use sound waves to incapacitate, disorient, or harm individuals by harnessing acoustic energy, causing both physical and psychological effects. Although typically marketed as non-lethal, their use in military, law enforcement, and covert operations has raised serious ethical concerns. Recent incidents, such as the alleged attacks on US diplomats in Cuba and China, have drawn attention to their potential dangers. In Serbia, following reports of a sonic weapon being used at a peaceful anti-corruption rally, calls for an independent investigation have intensified, with rights groups and opposition officials pushing for legal action against those responsible.

Click on to learn more about sonic weapons. 

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The science behind sonic weapons -

Sonic weapons operate at specific frequencies, affecting human perception and physiology. Infrasound (below 20 Hz) can induce nausea and disorientation, while ultrasound (above 20,000 Hz) can penetrate tissues and cause pain.

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Potential for internal damage -

Some weapons use deafening noise to disperse crowds, while others focus sound waves into targeted beams, potentially causing internal damage without visible injuries.

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Ancient uses of sound in warfare -

Historically, sound has been a psychological weapon. Ancient Chinese and Roman armies used war drums, horns, and battle cries to intimidate enemies.

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Sound on the battlefield -

The Aztecs employed death whistles, which produced terrifying screams. While primitive compared to modern sonic weapons, these tactics demonstrate an early understanding of sound's ability to influence the battlefield.

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Sound weapons in World War II and Vietnam -

During World War II, Soviet troops blasted Argentine tangos to disturb German forces in Stalingrad, while in Vietnam, US forces used sound as psychological warfare against their opponents.

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The long-range acoustic device (LRAD) -

One of the most widely used sonic weapons today is the long-range acoustic device (LRAD). Designed for military and law enforcement, it emits a focused beam of sound reaching up to 162 decibels.

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Riot control -

It has been used for riot control, deterring Somali pirates, and even during protests in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, raising concerns about excessive force.

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Alleged sonic attacks on diplomats -

Since 2016, US diplomats in Cuba, China, and Russia have reported mysterious health issues, including dizziness, hearing loss, headaches, and cognitive difficulties.

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Havana Syndrome -

The phenomenon, dubbed Havana Syndrome, has affected intelligence officers and embassy staff, leading to speculation about the cause. Some experts believe sonic or microwave weapons could be responsible, though no definitive evidence has been found.

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Diplomatic and security concerns -

Theories range from targeted energy attacks to mass psychogenic illness. If proven, these incidents would represent one of the first confirmed cases of sonic weapons being used in espionage, raising serious diplomatic and security concerns.

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Sonic weapons in crowd control -

Governments have deployed sonic devices to disperse protests. In 2009, Pittsburgh police used LRAD against G20 protesters, causing temporary hearing loss. Critics argue that these weapons violate human rights and should be prohibited in non-war settings.

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Historic protests in Serbia -

Serbia is witnessing its largest protests in history, driven by public outrage over corruption, mismanagement, and a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people.

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Sonic weapon allegations at Belgrade protest -

On March 15, during a massive demonstration in Belgrade, protesters held a 15-minute silence to honor the victims. Suddenly, a high-pitched noise disrupted the gathering, causing panic and leading to accusations that authorities had deployed a sonic weapon to disperse the crowd.

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Government denial -

President Aleksandar Vučić dismissed the allegations as a "vile lie," insisting no such device was used. He promised an investigation but also warned that those spreading "notorious lies" should face prosecution.

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Naval applications of sonic weapons -

Sonic weapons have been tested for naval defense. The US Navy developed the Acoustic Hailing Device (AHD) to deter enemy divers, while some ships use high-decibel sounds to drive away approaching threats.

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Sonic deterrence at sea -

In 2005, a cruise ship used an LRAD to repel Somali pirates, demonstrating the weapon’s effectiveness in non-lethal maritime defense.

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The role of sonic weapons in psychological warfare -

Sonic weapons are not just about physical harm; they can be used for psychological impact. In 1989, US forces bombarded Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega with deafening rock music to force his surrender.

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Psychological warfare at Guantanamo Bay -

Similarly, during interrogations at Guantanamo Bay, detainees were subjected to loud, repetitive music to induce stress and disorientation.

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Use of sonic weapons in Fallujah -

In 2004, US forces in Fallujah used Humvees with loudspeakers to blast insults at Al-Qaeda forces. The Pentagon also deployed the LRAD sound weapon for crowd control, emitting up to 149 dB.

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Health risks -

Despite being marketed as non-lethal, sonic weapons, particularly those using high-decibel sound waves, can have severe effects on human hearing.

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Hearing damage -

Exposure to intense sound frequencies can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a reduced ability to perceive certain frequencies.

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Long-term effects on health -

The physical harm caused by these weapons can persist long after exposure. Victims may suffer from chronic pain, dizziness, and cognitive impairments, potentially affecting their quality of life for years.

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Psychological impact -

Apart from physical harm, sonic weapons can induce psychological distress. High-pitched sounds or loud bursts of noise can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and significant emotional stress.

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PTSD -

In extreme cases, the intense stress induced by sonic weapons can result in long-term mental health issues, including PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), significantly impacting individuals' well-being.

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Human rights violations -

Due to their harmful effects, the use of sonic weapons in civilian contexts raises serious human rights concerns, potentially violating the right to health and protection from torture or cruel treatment.

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National restrictions -

Countries like Germany and Switzerland have regulated sonic weapons, particularly in civilian contexts, to balance law enforcement benefits with the need to protect public well-being and safety.

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Lack of explicit bans -

Unlike chemical and biological weapons, which are explicitly prohibited by international treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention, sonic weapons don't have specific global regulations banning their use. The lack of comprehensive treaties governing sonic weapons makes their deployment more legally ambiguous and raises concerns about accountability.

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Growing calls for regulation -

As concerns about the misuse of sonic weapons grow, many human rights organizations and legal experts are calling for stronger international regulations.

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Demand for guidelines and treaties -

These groups urge global leaders to develop clearer guidelines and treaties to prevent the abuse of sound-based weapons in non-war settings, particularly for crowd control or political suppression.

Sources: (CNN) (BBC) (Deutsche Welle) (History) 

See also: Historic peaceful protests that changed the world

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