US contractor charged with leaking classified info on Israel-Iran missile strike plans
A US Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, January 24, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS
Asif William Rahman, a former US government contractor, has been charged with leaking classified national defence information related to Israel's planned missile strike on Iran.
Rahman, arrested in Cambodia by the FBI, faces charges under the Espionage Act, and is expected to appear in court in Guam.
The contractor, reportedly employed by the CIA, is accused of disclosing sensitive documents prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
These documents, which surfaced on a Telegram channel last month, revealed details about Israel's military movements in preparation for a retaliatory strike against Iran following a ballistic missile attack by Tehran on October 1.
The documents outlined the positioning of Israeli military assets and indicated the timing of the planned strike.
In response to Israel’s actions, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned of a "crushing response" against Israel and the US.
This arrest follows the sentencing of Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira, who was convicted of similar espionage-related violations.