CIA Official Charged with Disclosing Classified Documents on Israel’s Retaliation Plans Against Iran
A CIA official, Asif W. Rahman, faces serious espionage charges after allegedly leaking classified information regarding Israel’s anticipated response to an Iranian missile attack. The documents, detailing Israel’s planned retaliation, were shared on the Telegram messaging platform, sparking significant concerns over the safeguarding of American intelligence practices.
FBI Apprehends Rahman in Cambodia
Indicted last week in a Virginia federal court, Rahman was charged under the Espionage Act with willful retention and transmission of national defense information. The FBI arrested him in Cambodia, with his first court appearance set for Thursday in Guam.
Sensitive Documents Circulated from National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
The leaked documents, prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), were dated mid-October and revealed America’s advanced intelligence operations, even concerning close allies like Israel. The NGA, which provides support for military and covert operations through satellite and reconnaissance data analysis, had its work circulated on Telegram last month. Initial U.S. efforts to identify the leak’s origin were inconclusive, but a continued investigation led to Rahman, who held a top-secret security clearance.
Tensions Over U.S. Surveillance Capabilities with Allies
This disclosure underscores the challenges of balancing intelligence operations with allied relationships and has highlighted the extent of U.S. surveillance capabilities. Monitoring of allies, especially trusted partners like Israel, has raised questions about the potential impact on these critical international relationships.