Classified US documents detailing Israel’s military preparations have been published on Telegram, causing concern among US authorities.
The leak of secret US documents on Friday October 18 from a pro-Iranian Telegram account sheds light on Israel’s military preparations to retaliate for the Iranian attack on October 1. The FBI has opened an investigation into what could be one of the most significant security breaches in US intelligence in recent years.
A leak that reveals sensitive information
The documents, from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Security Agency (NSA), detail Israeli military exercises. According to these sources, the Israeli Air Force deployed air-to-ground missiles, including the “Golden Horizon” and “Rocks” missiles, capable of striking long-range targets.
A large-scale military operation
Preparations include:
- At least 16 “Golden Horizon” missiles
- 40 Missile Rocks
- Air-to-air refueling exercises
- Deployment of three KC-707 tanker aircraft
- Use of a Gulfstream AWACS G-550 surveillance aircraft
Major diplomatic implications
This leak comes against a particularly tense geopolitical backdrop, with the US presidential elections less than a month away. The White House has expressed its deep concern, with President Biden personally following the progress of the investigation.
The origin of the leak remains a mystery: a security accident or a deliberate disclosure designed to compromise Israeli plans? Experts point out that Iran’s offensive cyber capabilities may have played a role.
🇺🇸🇮🇷Pentagon sources reveal that the FBI is investigating its first suspect in last Friday’s leak of classified US documents.
Ariane Tabatabaei, an Iranian-American woman who holds a high-ranking position within the Ministry of Defense, according to Sky N. pic.twitter.com/vt6y8ZnV9i
— Ibrahima Camara (@SineIbrahima) October 22, 2024