WASHINGTON – The leak of a pair of highly classified US intelligence documents describing recent satellite images of Israeli military preparations for a potential strike on Iran offers a window into the intense US concerns about Israel's plans. It also has US officials working to understand the size of the improper disclosure.
The two documents were prepared in recent days by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which is responsible for analysing images and information collected by American spy satellites. They began circulating on Oct 18 on the Telegram app and were being discussed by largely pro-Iran accounts.
The documents, which offer interpretations of satellite imagery, provide insight into a potential strike by Israel on Iran in the coming days. Such a strike has been anticipated in retaliation for an Iranian assault earlier in October, which was itself a response to an Israeli attack.
One of the documents is titled "Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations For Strike On Iran", and describes recent exercises that appeared to rehearse elements of such a strike. The second document details how Israel is shifting the placement of its missiles and weapons in case Iran responds with strikes of its own.
Officials were divided over the seriousness of the leak, which did not appear to reveal any new US capabilities.
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 21, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NO SNOW, BUT SANTA'S STILL AT WORK
With a month to go until Christmas, Santa Claus is busy preparing, but he is worried about the warming climate and lack of snow in his Arctic home town.
My Chemical Romance ex-drummer Bob Bryar was active in dog rescue
Bob Bryar, the former drummer of pop-punk band My Chemical Romance, who was with the group from 2004 to 2010, has died at the age of 44.
Lady Gaga to hold free gig at Rio's Copacabana Beach: Sources
Pop star Lady Gaga is set to hold a free concert at Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach in May 2025, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, a show expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans.
Taylor Swift fans turn out on Black Friday for vinyl album, new Eras Tour book
Young Taylor Swift fans and their parents lined up outside some of Target's nearly 2,000 stores in America early on Nov 29 - Black Friday - to buy copies of her new Eras Tour book and vinyl album.
K-drama actor Jung Woo-sung apologises after scandal on love child
One of South Korea's top actors apologized after it was revealed he fathered a child with a woman he is not married to, sparking nationwide scrutiny in a country where births outside marriage are still seen as taboo.
Festive vibes with Vivaldi at SSO's choral concert
CONCERT GLORIA!
An exploration of personal identities through dance
As one stepped into the theatre, a dancer was already on stage, performing a short series of movements.
BoA's first solo show harks back to K-pop's roots
The South Korean singer-songwriter's Singapore show was the last stop of her first Asia tour
The myth of an equal marriage
Research has shown that married women continue to do more at home compared with their husbands, so it is time for men to step up
What to do if your child is targeted by a bully
Following recent incidents of school bullying, several parents wrote in to ST to ask for advice on how they can help their children if they are targeted by a bully or bullying someone.
