- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operative in Cambodia on Tuesday, November 12, for allegedly leaking classified documents related to Israel's plans to strike Iran. The operative, identified as Asif W Rahman, was later presented in a federal court in Guam, according to a report by The New York Times.
Asif William Rahman, a man arrested by the FBI in Cambodia, is set to make his first court appearance in Guam on Thursday. Prosecutors are expected to request his removal from the US territory during this hearing, following his capture earlier this week.
Rahman was indicted in a US court in Virginia for disclosing national defence information under the Espionage Act and may face a lengthy prison sentence.
The leaked documents were created by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), which supports secret US military operations by analysing satellite images and intelligence.
CIA Leak Exposes Military Intel Prior To Israeli Retaliation In Iran
Rahman, who had access to top-secret information at the CIA, allegedly leaked documents from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. These documents circulated online shortly before Israel targeted military sites in Iran in response to an October 1 missile attack.
The leaked documents detailed Israel’s potential aircraft, weapons, and munitions movements for a possible attack on Iran, as well as related military exercises. Rahman’s arrest follows the sentencing of Jack Teixeira, who received 15 years for leaking classified documents in 2023.
The leak of top-secret information, restricted to the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand), has raised serious security concerns in the US and Israel. The classified documents were intended only for cleared personnel and covered intelligence that could impact military strategies and geopolitics in sensitive areas like the Middle East.
