The limits of human cruelty are truly pushed during times of war. This is evident from the kind of tests and experiments that scientists have conducted with full government support and sponsorship in the name of progress and military superiority. From deliberately infecting people with diseases like anthrax to literally sewing people together in the hopes of creating conjoined twins, the governments of the world have done it all, and most of the people involved have walked away scot-free, thanks to the the veil of secrecy and classified nature of these evil death labs.
Here are some of the most notorious military research facilities in history.
1. Unit 731, Japan
Conducted a number of experiments that included freezing and boiling humans alive, live vivisections and putting people in pressure chambers till their eyes popped out.
This Japanese Chemical and Biological warfare facility was run between 1935-45 secretly disguised as a lumber mill. Arguably the most heinous, brutal and horrifying place on this list, Unit 731 carried out human experiments including live vivisections, deliberate infection of anthrax and syphilis, frostbite testing, and a whole host of other unimaginable tests on subjects picked up from nearby provinces. Plague-infested fleas bred in their labs were released in Chinese cities, leading to a huge number of death by Bubonic plague. There were twin units such as this in other places around the world as well such as Singapore, and the combined death toll of these facilities could be in the millions.
The most tragic part is, when Unit 731 was finally shut down, the US gave the perpetrators such as General Shiro Ishii total immunity in exchange for their data on human experimentation.
2. Porton Down, Britain
Administered their soldiers with LSD without their knowledge in hopes of controlling their minds.
This British research facility flew under the radar for a long time before their goings-on were declassified. A highly-classified installation whose work has included research into biological-weaponry, chemical-warfare, and even, reportedly, alien viruses. Their human rights violations were at their peak during the 50s, including cases of administering soldiers with LSD without their knowledge as well as other forms of human experimentation in the name of chemical warfare.
3. Poison laboratory of the Soviet secret services or Kamera, Russia
Developed deadly poisons which they tested on unknowing prisoners and political opponents.
This was a covert research and development facility of the Soviet secret police agencies that started in 1921. Kamera means ‘The Chamber’ in Russian, which is pretty ominous sounding by itself. The people who ran this highly illegal facility tested a number of deadly poisons on prisoners from the Gulags, including mustard gas, ricin, cyanide, and many others. The goal of the experiments was to find a tasteless, odourless chemical that could not be detected after death, and was administered to the victims without their knowledge.
4. HAARP Research Station, Alaska
Transmits high frequency discharges that are said to be able to control the weather.
The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Gakona, Alaska is a mysterious military project that uses a high-frequency transmitter to temporarily disrupt the ionosphere. Theories range from the facility being used to project mind control signals to it being the engineering home of weather modifying technology.
5. Biopreparat, Russia
Developed biological weapons and accidentally released anthrax spores in a Russian city leading to several deaths.
This was the Soviet Union’s major biological warfare agency from the 1970s. It was made up of a huge network of secret laboratories focusing on different deadly bio-agents for use in a major war. Since this research was a blatant violation of the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, its existence was steadfastly denied by Soviet officials for decades. In 1979, spores of Anthrax were accidentally released in the city of Sverdlovsk, leading to more than a 100 horrific deaths. Obviously, the government denied everything and all hospital records of the deaths were destroyed.
6. Fort Detrick, USA
Deliberately infected people with anthrax and syphillis without their knowledge in pursuit of deadlier bio-weapons.
Between 1943 and 1969, Fort Detrick was the home of America’s Biological Weapons Program. They studied hundreds of thousands of human subjects in tests and experiments involving hazardous substances without really letting the ‘volunteers’ know about the myriad horrific side effects that could also occur. This facility has faced several cases of environmental contamination that have led to severe health problems and death of people in the vicinity.
7. Area 51, USA
Their secret weapons testing led to the death of a number of workers.
Contrary to popular belief, Area 51 in itself has never been declared a secret base, but all the research and information from the military base is classified top secret. The current purpose of the base, which has been shrouded in mystery since decades, is still unknown. However, according to historical data, they test experimental aircrafts and weapons. If one were to go by the claims of conspiracy theorists, they’re also home to a whole bunch of captured alien life. Either way, the US government rarely makes any mention of the goings-on at Area 51, probably the most famous ‘secret’ facility of the last century.