FBI arrests alleged leaker of US intelligence documents related to Israel’s attack plans against Iran

CNN
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The Justice Department has charged a man with allegedly leaking highly classified U.S. intelligence about Israel’s plans to retaliate against Iran, according to court documents and a person familiar with the matter.

Asif W. Rahman was charged last Thursday with knowingly storing and disclosing national defense information, according to court documents. He was arrested Tuesday in Cambodia and will first appear in court in Guam, although the department has asked a federal judge to move him to Virginia to face trial.

Rahman was employed by the CIA, according to a person familiar with his employment. Court documents show he was employed by the US government.

Rahman had a top-secret security clearance and was able to access sensitive classified information.

New York Times first reported Rahman’s indictment.

The documents were posted by a Telegram account in mid-October called “Middle East Spectator.” They are marked top secret and have markings indicating they are intended to be seen only by the United States and its “Five Eyes” allies – Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

CNN previously reported that one of the documents, which it says was prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, discussed a plan involving Israel moving munitions. The second, which says it was obtained from the National Security Agency, outlines Israeli Air Force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles.

One of the documents also suggests something that Israel has always refused to confirm publicly: that the country has nuclear weapons. The document says the US has seen no indication that Israel plans to use a nuclear weapon against Iran.

This story has been updated with additional background information.