A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday.

The victim, who was not identified, had to receive medical attention, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources.

Some 200 US&nbsp;officials and family members have been sickened by Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness. It was first reported by officials based in the US&nbsp;embassy in Cuba in 2016.

A CIA spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers. "We have protocols in place for when individuals report possible anomalous health incidents that include receiving appropriate medical treatment," the spokesperson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-restrictions-on-vaccinated-international-travelers-414554">US to lift restrictions on vaccinated international travelers</a>

Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris delayed her arrival to Hanoi for three hours after the U.S. embassy there said someone had reported a health incident consistent with Havana syndrome.

Burns said in July he had tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-leading-wisconsins-2020-inquiry-defends-its-legitimacy-414548">Republican leading Wisconsin's 2020 inquiry defends its legitimacy</a>

A U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome.

Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" that the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible.

A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday.

A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday. The victim, who was not identified, had to receive medical attention, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources. Some 200 US officials and family members have been sickened by Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness. It was first reported by officials based in the US embassy in Cuba in 2016. A CIA spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers. "We have protocols in place for when individuals report possible anomalous health incidents that include receiving appropriate medical treatment," the spokesperson said. Also Read | US to lift restrictions on vaccinated international travelers Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris delayed her arrival to Hanoi for three hours after the U.S. embassy there said someone had reported a health incident consistent with Havana syndrome. Burns said in July he had tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome. Also Read | Republican leading Wisconsin's 2020 inquiry defends its legitimacy A U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome. Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" that the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible.

CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.org

However, he added that CIA was already working to develop "methods to work within the horizon". Cohen reportedly referred to current intelligence reports of the CIA. He was speaking at Intelligence and National Security Summit in Washington DC. During his address, he reportedly acknowledged that shuttering of the United States embassy in Kabul, as well as the closure of a network of CIA stations across Afghanistan, had "diminished" the ability of American intelligence agencies to assess conditions on the ground

Cohen added that much of the intelligence that has been collected in recent weeks comes from "over-the-horizon platforms", meaning that the collection is taking place from countries that border Afghanistan.

At the moment, the United States intelligence community estimates that it could take Al Qaeda between one and two years to amass its former strike capability, so as to directly threaten American interests, reported Intelnews.org.The presence of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan was the primary reason behind the invasion of the country by the United States in 2001.

However, with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, there are concerns that Al Qaeda may make a comeback in the war-torn country.

Under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda worked closely with the upper echelons of the Taliban in the 1990s and early 2000s. Contacts between the two groups continue to exist, and could potentially deepen following the exit of the United States and its Western allies from Afghanistan, reported Intelnews.org.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.org However, he added that CIA was already working to develop "methods to work within the horizon". Cohen reportedly referred to current intelligence reports of the CIA. He was speaking at Intelligence and National Security Summit in Washington DC. During his address, he reportedly acknowledged that shuttering of the United States embassy in Kabul, as well as the closure of a network of CIA stations across Afghanistan, had "diminished" the ability of American intelligence agencies to assess conditions on the ground Cohen added that much of the intelligence that has been collected in recent weeks comes from "over-the-horizon platforms", meaning that the collection is taking place from countries that border Afghanistan. At the moment, the United States intelligence community estimates that it could take Al Qaeda between one and two years to amass its former strike capability, so as to directly threaten American interests, reported Intelnews.org.The presence of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan was the primary reason behind the invasion of the country by the United States in 2001. However, with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, there are concerns that Al Qaeda may make a comeback in the war-torn country. Under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda worked closely with the upper echelons of the Taliban in the 1990s and early 2000s. Contacts between the two groups continue to exist, and could potentially deepen following the exit of the United States and its Western allies from Afghanistan, reported Intelnews.org. (With inputs from agencies)

CIA says Al Qaeda is regrouping post Taliban takeover in Afghanistan: Report

According to reports, the Biden administration officials had secretly moved several US citizens and "at-risk Afghans" including<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-a-ruthless-group-will-remain-focused-on-isis-k-says-us-410082"> Afghan</a> commandos to a secret CIA base outside Kabul amid terrorist threats during the chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport.

The operation reportedly took place in mid-August and was planned meticulously as Afghan special forces commandos and hundreds of US citizens were evacuated.

The secret compound was reportedly called "Eagle Base". Reports claimed the US undertook helicopter flights to extract people from the base and transported them directly to Kabul airport as the Taliban entered the Afghan capital on August 15.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-blames-uk-for-kabul-airport-attack-410073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Eagle Base" is reportedly located near Kabul airport. Reports claim the base was destroyed by US forces in the final days as the pullout gathered momentum.

Reports said&nbsp;US diplomatic staff and military officials coordinated in the evacuation effort to Kabul airport at Eagle Base.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-last-holdout-in-afghanistans-panjshir-anti-taliban-forces-fight-on-409936">Also Read:&nbsp;The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on&nbsp;</a>

Kabul's Hamid Karzai international airport was the focus of US evacuation amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-shows-off-its-might-by-carrying-out-parade-with-us-armys-weapons-410042">Taliban's</a> takeover of the capital. Several thousand Afghans had gathered at the airport and were later pushed outside the airport perimeter.&nbsp;

The chaotic US exit was hit with a terrorist strike by ISIS-K claiming the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans.

Amid the confusion, reports said an interpreter who helped rescue President Biden in a snowstorm in 2008 has gone into hiding after he missed the evacuation flight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-incorrectly-deletes-account-of-us-marines-mother-who-blamed-biden-for-her-sons-death-in-kabul-attack-409864">Also Read: Facebook 'incorrectly deletes' account of US Marine’s mother who blamed Biden for her son’s death</a>&nbsp;

There are several "at-risk" Afghans who are eager to get out of Afghanistan fearing reprisals from the Taliban even as the US government is making arrangements to pull out the remaining US citizens and people who helped the United States during the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, the Biden administration officials had secretly moved several US citizens and "at-risk Afghans" including Afghan commandos to a secret CIA base outside Kabul amid terrorist threats during the chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport.

According to reports, the Biden administration officials had secretly moved several US citizens and "at-risk Afghans" including Afghan commandos to a secret CIA base outside Kabul amid terrorist threats during the chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport. The operation reportedly took place in mid-August and was planned meticulously as Afghan special forces commandos and hundreds of US citizens were evacuated. The secret compound was reportedly called "Eagle Base". Reports claimed the US undertook helicopter flights to extract people from the base and transported them directly to Kabul airport as the Taliban entered the Afghan capital on August 15. Watch: "Eagle Base" is reportedly located near Kabul airport. Reports claim the base was destroyed by US forces in the final days as the pullout gathered momentum. Reports said US diplomatic staff and military officials coordinated in the evacuation effort to Kabul airport at Eagle Base. Also Read: The last holdout: In Afghanistan's Panjshir, anti-Taliban forces fight on Kabul's Hamid Karzai international airport was the focus of US evacuation amid the Taliban's takeover of the capital. Several thousand Afghans had gathered at the airport and were later pushed outside the airport perimeter. The chaotic US exit was hit with a terrorist strike by ISIS-K claiming the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans. Amid the confusion, reports said an interpreter who helped rescue President Biden in a snowstorm in 2008 has gone into hiding after he missed the evacuation flight. Also Read: Facebook 'incorrectly deletes' account of US Marine’s mother who blamed Biden for her son’s death There are several "at-risk" Afghans who are eager to get out of Afghanistan fearing reprisals from the Taliban even as the US government is making arrangements to pull out the remaining US citizens and people who helped the United States during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. (With inputs from Agencies)

How US secret base near Kabul airport transported US citizens, Afghan commandos

About 100 CIA officers and family members are among some 200 US officials who have fallen sick by "Havana syndrome," CIA Director William Burns said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Even though the syndrome is unexplained, US scientists say that it is most probably caused by directed microwave radiation.

Tapped by US President Joe Biden as the first career diplomat to serve as CIA chief, said in a National Public Radio interview that he has bolstered his agency's efforts to determine the cause of the syndrome and what is responsible.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-mystery-illness-affects-vienna-us-diplomats-398809">Also read |&nbsp;'Havana syndrome': Mystery illness affects Vienna US diplomats</a>

He further confirmed that among other steps, he tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome, and said he tripled the size of the medical team involved in the probe.

First discovered in Cuba in 2016-17, the US and Canadian diplomats have complained of symptoms ranging from dizziness, loss of balance, hearing loss, and anxiety to something they described as "cognitive fog".

In the year 2019, a US academic study found "brain abnormalities" in the diplomats who had fallen ill. However, Cuba dismissed the report.

Also, the US accused Cuba of carrying out "sonic attacks", which is strongly denied.

About 100 CIA officers and family members are among some 200 US officials who have fallen sick by "Havana syndrome," CIA Director William Burns said on Thursday.

About 100 CIA officers and family members are among some 200 US officials who have fallen sick by "Havana syndrome," CIA Director William Burns said on Thursday. Even though the syndrome is unexplained, US scientists say that it is most probably caused by directed microwave radiation. Tapped by US President Joe Biden as the first career diplomat to serve as CIA chief, said in a National Public Radio interview that he has bolstered his agency's efforts to determine the cause of the syndrome and what is responsible. Also read | 'Havana syndrome': Mystery illness affects Vienna US diplomats He further confirmed that among other steps, he tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome, and said he tripled the size of the medical team involved in the probe. First discovered in Cuba in 2016-17, the US and Canadian diplomats have complained of symptoms ranging from dizziness, loss of balance, hearing loss, and anxiety to something they described as "cognitive fog". In the year 2019, a US academic study found "brain abnormalities" in the diplomats who had fallen ill. However, Cuba dismissed the report. Also, the US accused Cuba of carrying out "sonic attacks", which is strongly denied.

About 100 CIA officers, family members sick due to 'Havana Syndrome'

A video featuring a young Latina woman to promote diversity at the US spy agency has conservatives fuming that it has gone overboard with 'wokeness', a broad term for acute awareness of contemporary issues of race and gender, sometimes used with derision.&nbsp;

The backlash occurred after the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) posted the slick promotional video on its YouTube channel as part of a series called 'Humans of CIA’.&nbsp;

In it, the CIA employee proudly declares her success, using language that is familiar with younger Americans and intellectuals, but is derided as focusing too much on political correctness by many conservatives.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I am a woman of colour. I am a mom. I am a cisgender millennial who has been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder," she says as she walks through the halls of the CIA.&nbsp;

"I am intersectional, but my existence is not a box-checking exercise... I did not sneak into CIA. I earned my way in and I earned my way up the ranks," she says.&nbsp;

"I used to struggle with impostor syndrome. But at 36, I refuse to internalise misguided patriarchal ideas of what a woman can or should be."&nbsp;

Conservatives blasted the spy agency. "China &amp; Russia are laughing their asses off watching CIA go full woke," tweeted Donald Trump Jr, the son of the former president.&nbsp;

"Wokeness is the kind of twisted PSYOP a spy agency would invent to destroy a country from the inside out," he added.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

A video featuring a young Latina woman to promote diversity at the US spy agency has conservatives fuming that it has gone overboard with 'wokeness', a broad term for acute awareness of contemporary issues of race and gender, sometimes used with derision.

A video featuring a young Latina woman to promote diversity at the US spy agency has conservatives fuming that it has gone overboard with 'wokeness', a broad term for acute awareness of contemporary issues of race and gender, sometimes used with derision. The backlash occurred after the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) posted the slick promotional video on its YouTube channel as part of a series called 'Humans of CIA’. In it, the CIA employee proudly declares her success, using language that is familiar with younger Americans and intellectuals, but is derided as focusing too much on political correctness by many conservatives. "I am a woman of colour. I am a mom. I am a cisgender millennial who has been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder," she says as she walks through the halls of the CIA. "I am intersectional, but my existence is not a box-checking exercise... I did not sneak into CIA. I earned my way in and I earned my way up the ranks," she says. "I used to struggle with impostor syndrome. But at 36, I refuse to internalise misguided patriarchal ideas of what a woman can or should be." Conservatives blasted the spy agency. "China & Russia are laughing their asses off watching CIA go full woke," tweeted Donald Trump Jr, the son of the former president. "Wokeness is the kind of twisted PSYOP a spy agency would invent to destroy a country from the inside out," he added. (With input from agencies)

US conservatives infuriated over 'woke' CIA recruitment video  

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday.

Pilot Jose Raul Martinez, who had been recruited by the CIA, asked for — and received — assurance from the agency that it would provide university educations to his two sons if he died during the operation, according to the documents published by the Washington-based National Security Archive research institute.

After Martinez left for Prague, CIA headquarters in the United States told its Havana station to cancel the mission.&nbsp;

"Do not pursue," the cable said. "Would like to drop matter."

At that point, the pilot was already out of contact. When he returned to Cuba, Martinez told his handler that "he had no opportunity to arrange an accident such as we had discussed."

The plot came to light as Castro, the 89-year-old brother of late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, prepares to leave Cuban politics by stepping down as head of the all-powerful Community Party of Cuba.&nbsp;

Raul's departure ends a near six-decade family hold on power in Cuba that started in 1959.

The reins will now pass to 60-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has served as Cuba's president since 2018.

"These documents remind us of a dark and sinister past in US operations against the Cuban revolution," National Security Archive analyst Peter Kornbluh told AFP.

"As the Castro era officially comes to an end, US policymakers have the opportunity to leave this historical baggage behind and engage Cuba's post-Castro future."

Fidel Castro defied 11 American presidents and survived numerous assassination plots — 638 according to Guinness World Records — as well as a failed 1961 attempt by 1,400 anti-Castro Cubans, who were trained and financed by the CIA, to land at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow the communist regime.

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday.

The CIA made its first known attempt to assassinate a leader of the Cuban revolution in 1960, offering $10,000 to a pilot flying Raul Castro from Prague to Havana to arrange an "accident," according to declassified documents published Friday. Pilot Jose Raul Martinez, who had been recruited by the CIA, asked for — and received — assurance from the agency that it would provide university educations to his two sons if he died during the operation, according to the documents published by the Washington-based National Security Archive research institute. After Martinez left for Prague, CIA headquarters in the United States told its Havana station to cancel the mission. "Do not pursue," the cable said. "Would like to drop matter." At that point, the pilot was already out of contact. When he returned to Cuba, Martinez told his handler that "he had no opportunity to arrange an accident such as we had discussed." The plot came to light as Castro, the 89-year-old brother of late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, prepares to leave Cuban politics by stepping down as head of the all-powerful Community Party of Cuba. Raul's departure ends a near six-decade family hold on power in Cuba that started in 1959. The reins will now pass to 60-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, who has served as Cuba's president since 2018. "These documents remind us of a dark and sinister past in US operations against the Cuban revolution," National Security Archive analyst Peter Kornbluh told AFP. "As the Castro era officially comes to an end, US policymakers have the opportunity to leave this historical baggage behind and engage Cuba's post-Castro future." Fidel Castro defied 11 American presidents and survived numerous assassination plots — 638 according to Guinness World Records — as well as a failed 1961 attempt by 1,400 anti-Castro Cubans, who were trained and financed by the CIA, to land at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow the communist regime.

CIA planned to assassinate Raul Castro in 1960: declassified documents

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US.

“China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system,” Haines said.

China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing’s preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan.

“It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said.

Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said.

At the same time, regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests.

“The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, has the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said.

“Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said.

Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States.

“As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States,” he said.

As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world’s leading technological power, he said.

“We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said.

“When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we’ve seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said.

“I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added.

Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China’s capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States.

“Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in moulding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don’t like here in the United States,” he said.

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government.

“And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it’s about a 1,300 per cent increase over the last several years. We’re opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that’s not because our folks don’t have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers.

China is increasingly becoming a near-peer competitor of the US, posing challenges in multiple domains, while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system, a top American intelligence officer has told lawmakers. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on Wednesday briefed members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the worldwide threat assessment of the US. “China increasingly is a near-peer competitor, challenging the United States in multiple areas while pushing to revise global norms in ways that favour the authoritarian Chinese system,” Haines said. China, she said, is employing a comprehensive approach to demonstrate its growing strength and compel regional neighbours to acquiesce to Beijing’s preferences, including its claims over disputed territory and assertions of sovereignty over Taiwan. “It also has substantial cyber capabilities that, if deployed at a minimum, can cause localised temporary disruptions to critical infrastructure inside the United States,” Haines said. Russia, Iran and North Korea are the other three countries that pose threats to the United States, she said. At the same time, regional conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises, undermine stability and threaten US persons and interests. “The fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria has a direct implication for U.S. forces, while tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world. The iterate of violence between Israel and Iran, the activity of foreign powers in Libya and conflicts in other areas, including Africa and the Middle East, has the potential to escalate or spread,” Haines said. “Asia has periodic upheavals, such as the Burmese military seizure of power in February. Latin America has contested elections. Violent popular protests are likely to continue to produce volatility. And Africa will continue to see ongoing marginalisation of some communities, ethnic conflict, and contentious elections,” she said. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Committee, described the rise of China as a major challenge for the United States. “As we grapple with the challenges posed by a rising China, our problem is with the Chinese Communist Party, not with the Chinese people or the Chinese diaspora globally. And certainly not with Asian Americans here in the United States,” he said. As China grows in power and stature, the CCP has sought to undercut the United States as the world’s leading technological power, he said. “We see this in the reliance on both strategic investments and traditional espionage to acquire intellectual property, their use and export of surveillance technology to authoritarian regimes, and their modernization of traditional and asymmetric military capabilities, including in the space and cyber domains,” Warner said. “When we look at development, for example, of 5G technology, we’ve seen the CCP act aggressively to influence international standard-setting bodies and invest in a national champion, Huawei, that threatens to dominate the worldwide telecommunications market,” Warner said. “I fear that the CCP will develop a similar strategy to dominate the development of other emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, and BAU technology. In many ways, the IC is the only part of our overall enterprise that sees across all domains in this field, and I think we must be clear-eyed in assessing the threats posed by the CCP,” he added. Senator Marco Rubio said that the United States made a mistake to not focus on both China’s capabilities and on its growing and intensifying efforts to involve and engage itself in the political environment in the United States. “Different aims, perhaps, different tactics in some ways. But certainly, they have every capability that the Russians do, and more, in many cases. And they are certainly interested in moulding public discourse and creating political pressure among creating pressure on political figures who they don’t like here in the United States,” he said. FBI Director Christopher Wray told Senators that the investigating agency now has over 2,000 investigations that tie back to the Chinese government. “And on the economic espionage investigation side alone, it’s about a 1,300 per cent increase over the last several years. We’re opening a new investigation into China every 10 hours. And I can assure the committee, that’s not because our folks don’t have anything to do with their time,” he said.

China increasingly a near-peer competitor, posing multiple challenges: Top US intelligence officer

Veteran US diplomat William Burns, nominated to lead the CIA, pledged Wednesday to keep the&nbsp;agency free of politics and said China would be his biggest focus if confirmed.

Burns was picked by President Joe Biden to replace retiring Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel and to help restore an air of independence after former president Donald Trump allegedly tried to manipulate the country's spies for political reasons.&nbsp;

He told the Senate Intelligence Committee that his career in the Middle East and Russia made him appreciate the value of untainted intelligence.

"I learned that good intelligence, delivered with honesty and integrity, is America's first line of defense," he told the panel.

"I learned that intelligence professionals have to tell policymakers what they need to hear, even if they don't want to hear it. And I learned that politics must stop where intelligence work begins."

He said Biden stressed that "he wants the agency to give it to him straight."

"And I pledged to do just that, and to defend those who do the same."

Burns also told the panel that China was the main challenge the country faces, echoing views stated by Biden and other top officials of his administration.

"Out-competing China will be key to our national security in the decades ahead. That will require a long-term, clear-eyed, bipartisan strategy, underpinned by domestic renewal and solid intelligence," he said.

He said that while in some areas, like nuclear non-proliferation, the United States can cooperate with Beijing, it is nevertheless "a formidable, authoritarian adversary."

The CIA in particular has faced challenges, with China having recruited a number of US diplomats and spies over recent years and also, starting a decade ago, bringing down the CIA's own network of informants in the country.

Burns also stressed in a statement to the hearing that the fight for technological superiority in espionage, including the use of artificial intelligence, will also be a key part of his mission.&nbsp;

Until his nomination, Burns was president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a leading Washington foreign policy think-tank.

If approved as expected by the Senate, Burns will be the first career diplomat to lead the CIA.&nbsp;

But he has deep experience in security and intelligence matters after spending over three decades in the US foreign service, including a stint as ambassador to Russia from 2005-2008.

Veteran US diplomat William Burns, nominated to lead the CIA, pledged Wednesday to keep the agency free of politics and said China would be his biggest focus if confirmed.

Veteran US diplomat William Burns, nominated to lead the CIA, pledged Wednesday to keep the agency free of politics and said China would be his biggest focus if confirmed. Burns was picked by President Joe Biden to replace retiring Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel and to help restore an air of independence after former president Donald Trump allegedly tried to manipulate the country's spies for political reasons. He told the Senate Intelligence Committee that his career in the Middle East and Russia made him appreciate the value of untainted intelligence. "I learned that good intelligence, delivered with honesty and integrity, is America's first line of defense," he told the panel. "I learned that intelligence professionals have to tell policymakers what they need to hear, even if they don't want to hear it. And I learned that politics must stop where intelligence work begins." He said Biden stressed that "he wants the agency to give it to him straight." "And I pledged to do just that, and to defend those who do the same." Burns also told the panel that China was the main challenge the country faces, echoing views stated by Biden and other top officials of his administration. "Out-competing China will be key to our national security in the decades ahead. That will require a long-term, clear-eyed, bipartisan strategy, underpinned by domestic renewal and solid intelligence," he said. He said that while in some areas, like nuclear non-proliferation, the United States can cooperate with Beijing, it is nevertheless "a formidable, authoritarian adversary." The CIA in particular has faced challenges, with China having recruited a number of US diplomats and spies over recent years and also, starting a decade ago, bringing down the CIA's own network of informants in the country. Burns also stressed in a statement to the hearing that the fight for technological superiority in espionage, including the use of artificial intelligence, will also be a key part of his mission. Until his nomination, Burns was president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a leading Washington foreign policy think-tank. If approved as expected by the Senate, Burns will be the first career diplomat to lead the CIA. But he has deep experience in security and intelligence matters after spending over three decades in the US foreign service, including a stint as ambassador to Russia from 2005-2008.

Joe Biden's CIA pick stresses China threat

GMR Airports on Monday said that its consortium has completed construction of a new terminal building of Clark International Airport in record time in the Philippines.

The firm, which is GMR Group's airport subsidiary, also said that the building was handed over to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

This is a significant achievement for GMR in the Philippines as it has completed the second project in the Philippines after developing Mactan Cebu International Airport the second largest airport in the country.&nbsp;

The project was a joint venture of GMR Group and Megawide Construction Corporation and was completed in a record time of 24 months, beating all odds of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

GMR says that it is one of the fastest completed projects in the country and the first project of the Philippines government under the Hybrid Public-Private partnership (PPP) framework.

With the new terminal building of 112,000 square metres, the airport will able to handle around 8 million passengers per annum (MPPA) from the present 4 MPPA.&nbsp;

The parking area of the newly constructed passenger terminal building can accommodate nearly 4,500 vehicles.&nbsp;

The building also has 48 check-in counters.&nbsp;

"We feel proud to be part of President Duterte's 'Build-Build-Build Program' through the development of Clark Airport and would very keen to further contribute in growth of aviation sector of the country through more projects. We are delighted to have been able to complete the new passenger terminal building in a record time of 24 months and hand over to BCDA successfully," Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman, Energy &amp; International Airport

GMR Airports on Monday said that its consortium has completed construction of a new terminal building of Clark International Airport in record time in the Philippines.

GMR Airports on Monday said that its consortium has completed construction of a new terminal building of Clark International Airport in record time in the Philippines. The firm, which is GMR Group's airport subsidiary, also said that the building was handed over to Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). This is a significant achievement for GMR in the Philippines as it has completed the second project in the Philippines after developing Mactan Cebu International Airport the second largest airport in the country. The project was a joint venture of GMR Group and Megawide Construction Corporation and was completed in a record time of 24 months, beating all odds of the coronavirus pandemic. GMR says that it is one of the fastest completed projects in the country and the first project of the Philippines government under the Hybrid Public-Private partnership (PPP) framework. With the new terminal building of 112,000 square metres, the airport will able to handle around 8 million passengers per annum (MPPA) from the present 4 MPPA. The parking area of the newly constructed passenger terminal building can accommodate nearly 4,500 vehicles. The building also has 48 check-in counters. "We feel proud to be part of President Duterte's 'Build-Build-Build Program' through the development of Clark Airport and would very keen to further contribute in growth of aviation sector of the country through more projects. We are delighted to have been able to complete the new passenger terminal building in a record time of 24 months and hand over to BCDA successfully," Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman, Energy & International Airport

GMR Airports completes new building of Clark International Airport in record time

America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act.

The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed.

The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1/ In this CIA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFO</a> document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science &amp; Technology (A/DDS&amp;T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. <a href="https://t.co/PyVEr3zCny">pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny</a>
— 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackvaultcom/status/1347535280178302981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Getting documents released is one thing. But later getting the redacted material reviewed for further release? That's another beast all together. 
 
I've done hundreds of those requests, and with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFO</a> records, a lot of them are just... "lost." 
 
Like this: <a href="https://t.co/VZDFCumFGF">https://t.co/VZDFCumFGF</a>
— 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackvaultcom/status/1348775237286985730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to reports, Greenewald filed nearly 10,000 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reports to get the PDFs. CIA had made CD-ROM collection of UFO documents over a period of time.

“The Black Vault spent years fighting for them, and many were released in the late 1990s. However, over time, the CIA made a CD-ROM collection of UFO documents, which encompassed the original records, along with the ones that took years to fight for,” Greenewald said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At the posting of this tweet, this currently appears on the State Department's website at the highlighted URL (<a href="https://t.co/426LgmgQ7w">https://t.co/426LgmgQ7w</a>). 
 
It is also accessible via their search engine. <a href="https://t.co/yiqER5lYZF">pic.twitter.com/yiqER5lYZF</a>
— 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackvaultcom/status/1348727639121383424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Black Vault aims to have the most comprehensive, complete and convenient archive of documents around," &nbsp;Greenewald added.

America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act.

America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed. The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government. 1/ In this CIA #UFO document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science & Technology (A/DDS&T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny — 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) January 8, 2021 × There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files. Getting documents released is one thing. But later getting the redacted material reviewed for further release? That's another beast all together. I've done hundreds of those requests, and with #UFO records, a lot of them are just... "lost." Like this: https://t.co/VZDFCumFGF — 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) January 11, 2021 × According to reports, Greenewald filed nearly 10,000 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reports to get the PDFs. CIA had made CD-ROM collection of UFO documents over a period of time. “The Black Vault spent years fighting for them, and many were released in the late 1990s. However, over time, the CIA made a CD-ROM collection of UFO documents, which encompassed the original records, along with the ones that took years to fight for,” Greenewald said. At the posting of this tweet, this currently appears on the State Department's website at the highlighted URL (https://t.co/426LgmgQ7w). It is also accessible via their search engine. pic.twitter.com/yiqER5lYZF — 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) January 11, 2021 × "The Black Vault aims to have the most comprehensive, complete and convenient archive of documents around," Greenewald added.

Black Vault: CIA allows all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of deadline

US President-elect Joe Biden on Monday announced William Burns as his pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, tapping a retired veteran diplomat who helped lead secret talks with Iran.

Burns spent over three decades in the US foreign service, including a stint as ambassador to Russia from 2005-2008, and high-ranking jobs in the State Department. \

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-receive-second-covid-vaccine-dose-on-monday-355901">Biden to receive second Covid vaccine dose on Monday</a>

"Bill Burns is an exemplary diplomat with decades of experience on the world stage keeping our people and our country safe and secure," Biden said in a statement released by his transition team.

Burns, who holds a masters and doctoral degrees from Oxford University, also served as US ambassador to Oman from 1998-2001.

He retired from the foreign service in 2014 and is the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international affairs think tank in the United States.

Burns had been considered a likely candidate to lead the State Department under Biden, given his deep experience with Iran.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-technology-companies-join-list-of-biden-inaugural-donors-355819">Major technology companies join list of Biden inaugural donors</a>

He was involved in back-channel negotiations that set the stage for the 2015 deal to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities.

"The fact that we did it quietly or secretly caused a certain amount of controversy," he said in a 2016 interview.&nbsp;

"But the reality is that after 35 years without sustained diplomatic contact between the United States and Iran, there was a huge amount of baggage, a lot of mistrust, and a lot of grievances."

US President-elect Joe Biden on Monday announced William Burns as his pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, tapping a retired veteran diplomat who helped lead secret talks with Iran.

US President-elect Joe Biden on Monday announced William Burns as his pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, tapping a retired veteran diplomat who helped lead secret talks with Iran. Burns spent over three decades in the US foreign service, including a stint as ambassador to Russia from 2005-2008, and high-ranking jobs in the State Department. \ Also read| Biden to receive second Covid vaccine dose on Monday "Bill Burns is an exemplary diplomat with decades of experience on the world stage keeping our people and our country safe and secure," Biden said in a statement released by his transition team. Burns, who holds a masters and doctoral degrees from Oxford University, also served as US ambassador to Oman from 1998-2001. He retired from the foreign service in 2014 and is the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international affairs think tank in the United States. Burns had been considered a likely candidate to lead the State Department under Biden, given his deep experience with Iran. Also read| Major technology companies join list of Biden inaugural donors He was involved in back-channel negotiations that set the stage for the 2015 deal to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities. "The fact that we did it quietly or secretly caused a certain amount of controversy," he said in a 2016 interview. "But the reality is that after 35 years without sustained diplomatic contact between the United States and Iran, there was a huge amount of baggage, a lot of mistrust, and a lot of grievances."

Joe Biden taps career diplomat William Burns as CIA chief

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.”

Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale."

Biden said, “Most notable the Department of Defence, we encountered obstruction from the political leadership. The truth is, many of the agencies that are critical to our security have incurred enormous damage.” He added that the actions of the Trump administration “makes it harder for our government to protect the American people, to defend our vital interests”.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Right now, my team isn’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. 
 
It’s nothing short of irresponsible. <a href="https://t.co/T67NbgSFLl">pic.twitter.com/T67NbgSFLl</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1343709566622720001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The president-elect's comments followed a briefing from members of his national security and foreign policy agency review teams "on their findings and key challenges that the Biden-Harris administration will inherit," his transition team said before his remarks.

Biden said it's crucial to ensure "nothing is lost" during the change in presidential administrations and stressed the need for his team to have a "clear picture" of the country's force posture worldwide and operations to deter enemies, as well as "full visibility" into the budget planning underway at the Pentagon and other agencies to "avoid any window of confusion or catch-up" that can be exploited by enemies.

"We have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget," Biden said. "Right now, we just aren't getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It's nothing short in my view of irresponsibility."

(With inputs from agencies)

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.” Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale.

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday said under the Trump administration, US government agencies in charge of national security have “incurred enormous damage.” Painting a grim landscape of the state of the nation's national security and foreign policy agencies he said that those departments have been "hollowed out in personnel, capacity and in morale." Biden said, “Most notable the Department of Defence, we encountered obstruction from the political leadership. The truth is, many of the agencies that are critical to our security have incurred enormous damage.” He added that the actions of the Trump administration “makes it harder for our government to protect the American people, to defend our vital interests”. Right now, my team isn’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It’s nothing short of irresponsible. pic.twitter.com/T67NbgSFLl — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 29, 2020 × The president-elect's comments followed a briefing from members of his national security and foreign policy agency review teams "on their findings and key challenges that the Biden-Harris administration will inherit," his transition team said before his remarks. Biden said it's crucial to ensure "nothing is lost" during the change in presidential administrations and stressed the need for his team to have a "clear picture" of the country's force posture worldwide and operations to deter enemies, as well as "full visibility" into the budget planning underway at the Pentagon and other agencies to "avoid any window of confusion or catch-up" that can be exploited by enemies. "We have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget," Biden said. "Right now, we just aren't getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It's nothing short in my view of irresponsibility." (With inputs from agencies)

US security agencies incurred 'enormous damage' during Trump administration: Biden

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen.

The hack of FireEye, a company with an array of contacts across the national security space both in the United States and its allies, is among the most significant breaches in recent memory. The company's shares dropped 8 per cent&nbsp;in after-hours trading.

"A Red Team is a gathering of security experts approved and coordinated to emulate an expected enemy's assault or misuse capacities against an undertaking's security act," the <a href="https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/12/unauthorized-access-of-fireeye-red-team-tools.html">organisation</a>&nbsp;stated, adding that while the aggressors snatched apparatuses going from "basic contents" to "whole systems," a large number of the methods were at that point openly accessible.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

The firm didn't state precisely when the assault occurred, and ceased from crediting the penetrate to a specific entertainer, anyway organization CEO Kevin Mandia noted in a different proclamation that it gave off an impression of being completed by "a country with top-level hostile abilities."&nbsp;

"Reliable with a country state digital secret activities exertion, the assailant basically looked for data identified with certain administration clients," Mandia said. "While the aggressor had the option to get to a portion of our inward frameworks, now in our examination, we have seen no proof that the assailant exfiltrated information from our essential frameworks that store client data."&nbsp;

The CEO additionally saw that, until now, there is no sign any of the taken apparatuses have been utilized in additional assaults.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that FireEye's top digital specialists offered no thought concerning who may be behind the information burglary, corporate news sources knew better, quickly pronouncing shadowy Russian specialists as the top suspects.

In a story on the penetrate, a Washington Post feature expressed: "Spies with Russia's unfamiliar insight administration accepted to have hacked a top American network protection firm." The source refers to anonymous "individuals acquainted with the issue," offering no detail past the statement itself.&nbsp;

The New York Times, then, declined to name any nation in its feature, just referencing Russia in a subheading, asserting the assault was "in all likelihood" completed by that country. Precisely how the paper arrived at that resolution was left implicit, notwithstanding, as its story makes a solitary notice of "proof" supporting Russian inclusion however never explains. The Times additionally noticed that the FBI has been made aware of the assault and "surrendered the case to its Russia trained professionals," yet left that guarantee totally unsourced.&nbsp;

Another report by Reuters avoided straightforwardly ascribing the hack and restricted conversation of Russian obligation to one passage, refering to an unknown previous Pentagon official who said that Moscow was "high on the early rundown of suspects."&nbsp;

The FireEye break is a long way from the first run through American news sources hurried head-first to announce, liberated from proof, Russian association in a prominent hack. In October, a notice from the FBI and various other government organizations about an "approaching digital wrongdoing danger" to US clinics incited a whirlwind of articles declaring Russia as the likely culprit, regardless of the offices saying nothing regarding the character of the future programmers.&nbsp;

Comparable charges have multiplied in the western press since the 2016 US official political decision, starting with the mission of Hillary Clinton, which initially asserted a Kremlin hacking activity to take the bombed Democratic applicant's messages. While the US insight network later reinforced that account, the FBI never grabbed hold of the workers being referred to, rather depending on data gave by the Democratic National Committee's own digital firm, CrowdStrike, whose president recognized in 2017 that "there's no proof that [the emails] were really exfiltrated" from the worker.

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen.

FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the United States, said on Tuesday that it had been hacked, likely by a government, and that an arsenal of hacking tools used to test the defenses of its clients had been stolen. The hack of FireEye, a company with an array of contacts across the national security space both in the United States and its allies, is among the most significant breaches in recent memory. The company's shares dropped 8 per cent in after-hours trading. "A Red Team is a gathering of security experts approved and coordinated to emulate an expected enemy's assault or misuse capacities against an undertaking's security act," the organisation stated, adding that while the aggressors snatched apparatuses going from "basic contents" to "whole systems," a large number of the methods were at that point openly accessible. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking The firm didn't state precisely when the assault occurred, and ceased from crediting the penetrate to a specific entertainer, anyway organization CEO Kevin Mandia noted in a different proclamation that it gave off an impression of being completed by "a country with top-level hostile abilities." "Reliable with a country state digital secret activities exertion, the assailant basically looked for data identified with certain administration clients," Mandia said. "While the aggressor had the option to get to a portion of our inward frameworks, now in our examination, we have seen no proof that the assailant exfiltrated information from our essential frameworks that store client data." The CEO additionally saw that, until now, there is no sign any of the taken apparatuses have been utilized in additional assaults. Despite the fact that FireEye's top digital specialists offered no thought concerning who may be behind the information burglary, corporate news sources knew better, quickly pronouncing shadowy Russian specialists as the top suspects. In a story on the penetrate, a Washington Post feature expressed: "Spies with Russia's unfamiliar insight administration accepted to have hacked a top American network protection firm." The source refers to anonymous "individuals acquainted with the issue," offering no detail past the statement itself. The New York Times, then, declined to name any nation in its feature, just referencing Russia in a subheading, asserting the assault was "in all likelihood" completed by that country. Precisely how the paper arrived at that resolution was left implicit, notwithstanding, as its story makes a solitary notice of "proof" supporting Russian inclusion however never explains. The Times additionally noticed that the FBI has been made aware of the assault and "surrendered the case to its Russia trained professionals," yet left that guarantee totally unsourced. Another report by Reuters avoided straightforwardly ascribing the hack and restricted conversation of Russian obligation to one passage, refering to an unknown previous Pentagon official who said that Moscow was "high on the early rundown of suspects." The FireEye break is a long way from the first run through American news sources hurried head-first to announce, liberated from proof, Russian association in a prominent hack. In October, a notice from the FBI and various other government organizations about an "approaching digital wrongdoing danger" to US clinics incited a whirlwind of articles declaring Russia as the likely culprit, regardless of the offices saying nothing regarding the character of the future programmers. Comparable charges have multiplied in the western press since the 2016 US official political decision, starting with the mission of Hillary Clinton, which initially asserted a Kremlin hacking activity to take the bombed Democratic applicant's messages. While the US insight network later reinforced that account, the FBI never grabbed hold of the workers being referred to, rather depending on data gave by the Democratic National Committee's own digital firm, CrowdStrike, whose president recognized in 2017 that "there's no proof that [the emails] were really exfiltrated" from the worker.

US cybersecurity company FireEye discloses breach; media blames Russian hackers

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region.

John Brennan said he did not know who was to blame for the murder of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, as Tehran pointed its finger at Israel.

"This was a criminal act &amp; highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation &amp; a new round of regional conflict," Brennan said in a series of tweets.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This was a criminal act &amp; highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation &amp; a new round of regional conflict. 
Iranian leaders would be wise to wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage &amp; to resist the urge to respond against perceived culprits. <a href="https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S">https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S</a>
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnBrennan/status/1332400792620462082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I do not know whether a foreign government authorized or carried out the murder of Fakhrizadeh," he said.

"Such an act of state-sponsored terrorism would be a flagrant violation of international law &amp; encourage more governments to carry out lethal attacks against foreign officials."

Brennan noted that Fakhrizadeh was not a designated terrorist nor a member of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State group, designated terror groups which would be legal targets.

A strong critic of President Donald Trump, Brennan urged Tehran to "resist the urge" to retaliate and "wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage," a reference to November 3 election winner Joe Biden, who will replace Trump on January 20.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-top-nuclear-scientist-mohsen-fakhrizadeh-assassinated-345915">Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated</a>

Brennan was director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017, under the administration of President Barack Obama and then-vice president Biden.

Brennan did not take part in Biden's election campaign and has not appeared to be involved in his preparations for taking office on January 20.

But early this week Biden named Brennan's former deputy director at the CIA, Avril Haines, as his director of national intelligence.

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region.

The former head of the US Central Intelligence Agency labelled the assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist Friday a "criminal" act that risks inflaming conflict in the region. John Brennan said he did not know who was to blame for the murder of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, as Tehran pointed its finger at Israel. "This was a criminal act & highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation & a new round of regional conflict," Brennan said in a series of tweets. This was a criminal act & highly reckless. It risks lethal retaliation & a new round of regional conflict. Iranian leaders would be wise to wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage & to resist the urge to respond against perceived culprits. https://t.co/0uZhyBTM3S — John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) November 27, 2020 × "I do not know whether a foreign government authorized or carried out the murder of Fakhrizadeh," he said. "Such an act of state-sponsored terrorism would be a flagrant violation of international law & encourage more governments to carry out lethal attacks against foreign officials." Brennan noted that Fakhrizadeh was not a designated terrorist nor a member of Al Qaeda or the Islamic State group, designated terror groups which would be legal targets. A strong critic of President Donald Trump, Brennan urged Tehran to "resist the urge" to retaliate and "wait for the return of responsible American leadership on the global stage," a reference to November 3 election winner Joe Biden, who will replace Trump on January 20. Also read | Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated Brennan was director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017, under the administration of President Barack Obama and then-vice president Biden. Brennan did not take part in Biden's election campaign and has not appeared to be involved in his preparations for taking office on January 20. But early this week Biden named Brennan's former deputy director at the CIA, Avril Haines, as his director of national intelligence.

Ex-CIA chief condemns 'criminal' assassination of Iranian

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died.

The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said.

The officer died of injuries sustained during an operation last week, according to CNN.

The CIA has not commented publicly on the death.

Washington has some 700 troops deployed in Somalia carrying out training of Somali forces and conducting counter-terrorism raids against the Al-Shabaab militant group, which Washington designated a terrorist movement in 2008.

Earlier this month, Washington put on its terror blacklist the leader of an elite unit of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group blamed for a January attack in Kenya that killed three Americans.

Al-Shabaab is estimated to have between 5,000 and 9,000 fighters who have vowed to overthrow the Somali government, which is supported by some 20,000 troops from the African Union.

The slain US operative was a veteran of special forces operations, having previously been a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, the Times reported.

The outgoing administration of President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing all US forces from Somalia by the time he leaves office in January, the paper added.

At the start of his term, Trump gave the Pentagon a freer hand to expand their operations, with both air strikes and ground raids, in the war-ravaged African country.

But an official report released in February said that "despite continued US air strikes in Somalia and US assistance to African partner forces, Al-Shabaab appears to be a growing threat that aspires to strike the US homeland."

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died. The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said.

A CIA officer was killed in combat in Somalia in recent days, US media said Thursday without releasing details of how the agent died. The veteran officer was a member of the CIA's Special Activities Center, a paramilitary branch that carries out some of the US intelligence agency's most dangerous tasks, The New York Times said. The officer died of injuries sustained during an operation last week, according to CNN. The CIA has not commented publicly on the death. Washington has some 700 troops deployed in Somalia carrying out training of Somali forces and conducting counter-terrorism raids against the Al-Shabaab militant group, which Washington designated a terrorist movement in 2008. Earlier this month, Washington put on its terror blacklist the leader of an elite unit of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group blamed for a January attack in Kenya that killed three Americans. Al-Shabaab is estimated to have between 5,000 and 9,000 fighters who have vowed to overthrow the Somali government, which is supported by some 20,000 troops from the African Union. The slain US operative was a veteran of special forces operations, having previously been a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, the Times reported. The outgoing administration of President Donald Trump is considering withdrawing all US forces from Somalia by the time he leaves office in January, the paper added. At the start of his term, Trump gave the Pentagon a freer hand to expand their operations, with both air strikes and ground raids, in the war-ravaged African country. But an official report released in February said that "despite continued US air strikes in Somalia and US assistance to African partner forces, Al-Shabaab appears to be a growing threat that aspires to strike the US homeland."

CIA officer killed in Somalia: US media 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's nephew has reportedly been taken into protective custody by the intelligence service officials of the United States.

Kim Han-sol is the son of Kim's half-brother Kim Jong-Nam - who was murdered on orders of the dictator using a nerve agent in 2017.

It has been claimed that the exiled 25-year-old — who is said to live a life of lavish luxury — is now in hiding after surrendering to American intelligence services.

Kim Han-sol is young, college-educated, and fluent in English and living abroad. And he has called his uncle a dictator. But chances are slim he could ever lead his homeland.&nbsp;

Kim Han-sol is the eldest son of Kim Jong-Nam and a grandson of the former North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il. His father was the unofficial heir apparent until 2001, when he fell out of favour with the regime after a failed attempt to secretly visit Japan's Disneyland in May 2001.

While Han-sol was seeking asylum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, his current location is unknown, and it is believed that he was intercepted by CIA agents.

Earlier this year, North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum.

Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’ aims at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's nephew has reportedly been taken into protective custody by the intelligence service officials of the United States. Kim Han-sol is the son of Kim's half-brother Kim Jong-Nam - who was murdered on orders of the dictator using a nerve agent in 2017.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's nephew has reportedly been taken into protective custody by the intelligence service officials of the United States. Kim Han-sol is the son of Kim's half-brother Kim Jong-Nam - who was murdered on orders of the dictator using a nerve agent in 2017. It has been claimed that the exiled 25-year-old — who is said to live a life of lavish luxury — is now in hiding after surrendering to American intelligence services. Kim Han-sol is young, college-educated, and fluent in English and living abroad. And he has called his uncle a dictator. But chances are slim he could ever lead his homeland. Kim Han-sol is the eldest son of Kim Jong-Nam and a grandson of the former North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il. His father was the unofficial heir apparent until 2001, when he fell out of favour with the regime after a failed attempt to secretly visit Japan's Disneyland in May 2001. While Han-sol was seeking asylum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, his current location is unknown, and it is believed that he was intercepted by CIA agents. Earlier this year, North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum. Local newspapers reported that the new diktat on ‘greatness education’ aims at “cultivating loyalty and trust toward North Korea's leadership”. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong-Un's nephew Kim Han-sol goes missing 'after meeting with CIA'

Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defence and ex-CIA director spoke to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay as he discussed a range of issues including the circumstances involving the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan's role in the war on terror and China's military assertiveness including its role in the coronavirus crisis.

WION:&nbsp;Would you say President Donald Trump took a firmer and clearer stand on what his priorities were and who he thought was a sponsor of terror compared to President Obama who tried to always balance the two?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;When I was the director of the CIA, we conducted an operation to go after bin Laden in Pakistan. It was a very difficult mission and the President made a very tough decision to do that and as the director of the CIA, my primary role was to target terrorism whether it was in Afghanistan or Pakistan or in the Middle East and I had strong support from the President to do that.

At the same time, I think President Trump has been tough with regards&nbsp;to terrorism and&nbsp;ISIS and going after terrorist leaders. He's been willing to do that so I think the US generally has made it very clear that we will not tolerate terrorism that can be a potential risk to our country or to other countries.

WION:&nbsp;After all these years, when you say it out loud in so many words that the Pakistan government of the day was aware and was, in fact, harbouring Osama bin Laden...

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;When we discovered the location of this compound in Pakistan, it was located in a place called Abbottabad. Abbottabad is a centre for their intelligence services and the Pakistani West Point is located there as well. This compound was three times the size of other compounds and had 18-foot walls on one side and 12-foot walls on the other side with barbed wire around it. I find it very difficult to believe that there wasn't somebody in Pakistan who was aware of this compound...

WION:&nbsp;Was the Pakistani establishment then confronted with what you found?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;Once we found the compound, we had to make a decision whether we would share that information with Pakistan and the President made the decision that because when we shared information with Pakistan about the location of terrorists they were tipped off and suddenly were able to disappear because of that concern and that lack of trust very frankly we decided not to inform the Pakistanis about the location of bin Laden and we did not inform them about the operation that we conducted because we were concerned that if we did that it was likely bin Laden would be advised to move, so because of what we did I think we were able to be successful in the mission to go after bin Laden.

WION:&nbsp;It sounds like a serious trust deficit with a government that America has throughout called an ally in the war on terror. Did the US government inform any other country and was India on the list and what was the reaction from New Delhi?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;We had made a decision that if we were able to get bin Laden that rather than having him buried in Pakistan or elsewhere where it could become a shrine that we would bury him at sea and we did it in the Indian Ocean.

We advised countries of the fact that we would bury him in the Indian Ocean and India as always was very supportive. I think for my purposes both as director of the CIA and secretary of defence, I found India to be a very close ally in the effort to try to protect the security of both India and the United States

WION:&nbsp;Do you fear that Pakistan still harbours terrorists who pose a threat to the security of both the US and India?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;I don't think there's any question that Pakistan continues to have relationship with various terrorist groups. We were very concerned when we were fighting in Afghanistan, that there were terrorists who were coming across the border from Pakistan to attack our forces and we continued to complain to Pakistan that they had to take steps to prevent that from happening but they never really did. They also used terrorism as a vehicle to undermine stability not just in Afghanistan but also in India. I think the United States has expressed concern&nbsp;that Pakistan had to do more to deal with terrorism in their country.

WION:&nbsp;How does it help Mr. Panetta, when the US government after knowing everything that you have just told us gets Pakistan on board when it tries to negotiate peace in Afghanistan?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;Well that's a challenge and it always has been, I think. You know we have continued to try to work with Pakistan. When I was the CIA&nbsp;director, I tried to work with their intelligence services. When I was Secretary of Defense, I tried to work with their defence ministry but while there were those that did provide cooperation, the fact was there were many that maintained ties to terrorist networks. As a result, it's sometimes very difficult to trust Pakistan to be supportive of efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan or in that region.

WION:&nbsp;Does India not have any role in the Afghanistan peace process according to you and what role do you see for India apart from the developmental aid and all the work that the government is doing?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;It's important that countries in that region support this process and India has been supportive of the peace process and we have always found that India has been a very good partner to the United States in dealing with issues in that region.

WION:&nbsp;You have always advocated deeper defence ties between India and the US but there was a time when New Delhi was reluctant to be seen as a military ally of America. Things have changed now as the two countries call each other strategic allies and they are meeting in a matter of days for the Quad meeting and this is being seen as an alliance to counter China. What role do you see in this new strategic equation?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;I think it's extremely important. I believe the United States should continue to provide leadership in the world working with our allies. There are a number of areas where we need our allies whether it's in the Middle East dealing with Iran, whether it's in Asia dealing with North Korea, whether it's in Europe dealing with Russia and whether it's with India and the countries there dealing with China.

I think it's critical that countries that believe in democratic principles, that believe in the values of freedom and liberty and the ability to self-govern and the dignity of the individual, that those countries should work together when it comes to security.

I am concerned that there have been events on the China-India border that have occurred recently that raised the spectre of potential conflict and I think we have to make it very clear to China that the US will stand with India if there is any conflict in that region.

WION:&nbsp;How far do you think the US is prepared to go in the event of a conflict with China?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;I think that the United States owes it to our allies to be able to support them in any potential conflict. Now, how far we go whether we directly involve ourselves, I think that's going to be a question depending on China's actions and their intentions.&nbsp;

So far I believe China understands that a war is not in their interest, it's not in their economic interest, it's not in their country's interest but as we know when there is tension, mistakes are made and conflicts can erupt.

So, I think the United States will determine whether or not this is an aggressive action by China or whether this is an error of some sort by people along the border area to determine just exactly what role it will play in that type of conflict.

WION:&nbsp;Do you think the United States and other global institutions and leaders are doing enough to hold China accountable for what the world has suffered this year?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;No, I don’t. We are essentially in a Cold War with China and I think that China has taken steps to try to take advantage of opportunities because they view the United States as pulling back from responsibilities in the world whether it's trade or in other areas and they've taken advantage of that and they also continue their military aggressiveness in developing areas and militarising the islands in the South China Sea.

In the approach they've taken towards Hong Kong and Taiwan, they have been particularly aggressive, and we also have had a difficult relationship with regards to trade.

We expressed a tremendous amount of concern with China with regards to the failure to alert the world about COVID-19 and the dangers that all of us are now experiencing as a result.&nbsp;I think it's important to have a dialogue with China, I think it's important to continue to communicate with China's leaders but I think we have to do it from a position of strength.&nbsp;

I would say that to India and I would say that to others that deal with China. The only way you can deal with China is from a position of strength. That means maintaining our military strength and making it very clear that there are lines that China should not cross.

WION:&nbsp;Do you think India is doing that?

Leon Panetta:&nbsp;I think the United States is making those points clear. I think India is making those points clear and I think that China will think twice about any aggression in that part of the world.

Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defence and ex-CIA director spoke to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay as he discussed a range of issues including the circumstances involving the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan's role in the war on terror and China's military assertiveness including its role in the coronavirus crisis.

Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defence and ex-CIA director spoke to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay as he discussed a range of issues including the circumstances involving the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan's role in the war on terror and China's military assertiveness including its role in the coronavirus crisis. WION: Would you say President Donald Trump took a firmer and clearer stand on what his priorities were and who he thought was a sponsor of terror compared to President Obama who tried to always balance the two? Leon Panetta: When I was the director of the CIA, we conducted an operation to go after bin Laden in Pakistan. It was a very difficult mission and the President made a very tough decision to do that and as the director of the CIA, my primary role was to target terrorism whether it was in Afghanistan or Pakistan or in the Middle East and I had strong support from the President to do that. At the same time, I think President Trump has been tough with regards to terrorism and ISIS and going after terrorist leaders. He's been willing to do that so I think the US generally has made it very clear that we will not tolerate terrorism that can be a potential risk to our country or to other countries. WION: After all these years, when you say it out loud in so many words that the Pakistan government of the day was aware and was, in fact, harbouring Osama bin Laden... Leon Panetta: When we discovered the location of this compound in Pakistan, it was located in a place called Abbottabad. Abbottabad is a centre for their intelligence services and the Pakistani West Point is located there as well. This compound was three times the size of other compounds and had 18-foot walls on one side and 12-foot walls on the other side with barbed wire around it. I find it very difficult to believe that there wasn't somebody in Pakistan who was aware of this compound... WION: Was the Pakistani establishment then confronted with what you found? Leon Panetta: Once we found the compound, we had to make a decision whether we would share that information with Pakistan and the President made the decision that because when we shared information with Pakistan about the location of terrorists they were tipped off and suddenly were able to disappear because of that concern and that lack of trust very frankly we decided not to inform the Pakistanis about the location of bin Laden and we did not inform them about the operation that we conducted because we were concerned that if we did that it was likely bin Laden would be advised to move, so because of what we did I think we were able to be successful in the mission to go after bin Laden. WION: It sounds like a serious trust deficit with a government that America has throughout called an ally in the war on terror. Did the US government inform any other country and was India on the list and what was the reaction from New Delhi? Leon Panetta: We had made a decision that if we were able to get bin Laden that rather than having him buried in Pakistan or elsewhere where it could become a shrine that we would bury him at sea and we did it in the Indian Ocean. We advised countries of the fact that we would bury him in the Indian Ocean and India as always was very supportive. I think for my purposes both as director of the CIA and secretary of defence, I found India to be a very close ally in the effort to try to protect the security of both India and the United States WION: Do you fear that Pakistan still harbours terrorists who pose a threat to the security of both the US and India? Leon Panetta: I don't think there's any question that Pakistan continues to have relationship with various terrorist groups. We were very concerned when we were fighting in Afghanistan, that there were terrorists who were coming across the border from Pakistan to attack our forces and we continued to complain to Pakistan that they had to take steps to prevent that from happening but they never really did. They also used terrorism as a vehicle to undermine stability not just in Afghanistan but also in India. I think the United States has expressed concern that Pakistan had to do more to deal with terrorism in their country. WION: How does it help Mr. Panetta, when the US government after knowing everything that you have just told us gets Pakistan on board when it tries to negotiate peace in Afghanistan? Leon Panetta: Well that's a challenge and it always has been, I think. You know we have continued to try to work with Pakistan. When I was the CIA director, I tried to work with their intelligence services. When I was Secretary of Defense, I tried to work with their defence ministry but while there were those that did provide cooperation, the fact was there were many that maintained ties to terrorist networks. As a result, it's sometimes very difficult to trust Pakistan to be supportive of efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan or in that region. WION: Does India not have any role in the Afghanistan peace process according to you and what role do you see for India apart from the developmental aid and all the work that the government is doing? Leon Panetta: It's important that countries in that region support this process and India has been supportive of the peace process and we have always found that India has been a very good partner to the United States in dealing with issues in that region. WION: You have always advocated deeper defence ties between India and the US but there was a time when New Delhi was reluctant to be seen as a military ally of America. Things have changed now as the two countries call each other strategic allies and they are meeting in a matter of days for the Quad meeting and this is being seen as an alliance to counter China. What role do you see in this new strategic equation? Leon Panetta: I think it's extremely important. I believe the United States should continue to provide leadership in the world working with our allies. There are a number of areas where we need our allies whether it's in the Middle East dealing with Iran, whether it's in Asia dealing with North Korea, whether it's in Europe dealing with Russia and whether it's with India and the countries there dealing with China. I think it's critical that countries that believe in democratic principles, that believe in the values of freedom and liberty and the ability to self-govern and the dignity of the individual, that those countries should work together when it comes to security. I am concerned that there have been events on the China-India border that have occurred recently that raised the spectre of potential conflict and I think we have to make it very clear to China that the US will stand with India if there is any conflict in that region. WION: How far do you think the US is prepared to go in the event of a conflict with China? Leon Panetta: I think that the United States owes it to our allies to be able to support them in any potential conflict. Now, how far we go whether we directly involve ourselves, I think that's going to be a question depending on China's actions and their intentions. So far I believe China understands that a war is not in their interest, it's not in their economic interest, it's not in their country's interest but as we know when there is tension, mistakes are made and conflicts can erupt. So, I think the United States will determine whether or not this is an aggressive action by China or whether this is an error of some sort by people along the border area to determine just exactly what role it will play in that type of conflict. WION: Do you think the United States and other global institutions and leaders are doing enough to hold China accountable for what the world has suffered this year? Leon Panetta: No, I don’t. We are essentially in a Cold War with China and I think that China has taken steps to try to take advantage of opportunities because they view the United States as pulling back from responsibilities in the world whether it's trade or in other areas and they've taken advantage of that and they also continue their military aggressiveness in developing areas and militarising the islands in the South China Sea. In the approach they've taken towards Hong Kong and Taiwan, they have been particularly aggressive, and we also have had a difficult relationship with regards to trade. We expressed a tremendous amount of concern with China with regards to the failure to alert the world about COVID-19 and the dangers that all of us are now experiencing as a result. I think it's important to have a dialogue with China, I think it's important to continue to communicate with China's leaders but I think we have to do it from a position of strength. I would say that to India and I would say that to others that deal with China. The only way you can deal with China is from a position of strength. That means maintaining our military strength and making it very clear that there are lines that China should not cross. WION: Do you think India is doing that? Leon Panetta: I think the United States is making those points clear. I think India is making those points clear and I think that China will think twice about any aggression in that part of the world.

Due to lack of trust we decided not to inform Pak about Osama bin Laden's location: Leon Panetta, ex-CIA director to WION

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

According to&nbsp;&nbsp;the US&nbsp;Justice Department,&nbsp;Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials.&nbsp;

He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-chinas-spy-racket-is-bigger-than-the-cold-war-308878">Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war!</a>

The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday.

Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-espionage-programme-operation-fox-hunt-311547">All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt'</a>

He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983.

The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security.

The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence

At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges.

The&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China.

After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them.

Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China. According to the US Justice Department, Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former CIA officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials. He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said. Also read: Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war! The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday. Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989. Also read: All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt' He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983. The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security. The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges. The CIA and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment. The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China. After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them. Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US&nbsp;and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday.

On January&nbsp;3, a US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US&nbsp;forces in the region.&nbsp;

"Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd, one of the spies for CIA and Mossad has been sentenced to death. He gave the whereabouts of martyr Soleimani to our enemies," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a televised news conference.&nbsp;

Following Soleimani's killing Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on Iraq’s Ain al-Asad base where U.S. forces were stationed on January&nbsp;8. No US&nbsp;troops were killed or faced immediate bodily injury, but hundreds were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

An American airstrike&nbsp;killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability.

President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives.

As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the&nbsp;millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'.

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday.

An Iranian citizen who provided information to US and Israeli intelligence services on the whereabouts of Iran's slain top commander Qassem Soleimani will be executed soon, Iran's judiciary said on Tuesday. On January 3, a US drone strike in Iraq killed Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. Washington blamed Soleimani for masterminding attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US forces in the region. "Mahmoud Mousavi-Majd, one of the spies for CIA and Mossad has been sentenced to death. He gave the whereabouts of martyr Soleimani to our enemies," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said in a televised news conference. Following Soleimani's killing Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on Iraq’s Ain al-Asad base where U.S. forces were stationed on January 8. No US troops were killed or faced immediate bodily injury, but hundreds were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. An American airstrike killed Iranian Major-General Qasim Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis drove the already politically fractured region into an entirely new era of high tensions and instability. President Trump celebrated the assassination of Soleimani as a big win for America, stating that the slain commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force had put in harm's way multiple American lives. As Iran promises revenge, people of the country came out by the millions to protest the American operation and pay their respects to the martyred 'Hero of the Iranian people'.

Iran will execute CIA agent involved in commander Soleimani's killing, says official

Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">CIA </a>for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-german-spies-plundered-global-secrets-via-swiss-encryption-firm-report-280146">Crypto AG</a> entered into a deal with America's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Central Intelligence Agency</a> (CIA) in 1951 and came under its ownership in the 1970s. As per reports, the US and its allies exploited other nations' gullibility for years, taking their money and stealing their secrets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-german-spies-plundered-global-secrets-via-swiss-encryption-firm-report-280146">US, German spies plundered global secrets via Swiss encryption firm</a>

Communications and Information Security was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-german-spies-plundered-global-secrets-via-swiss-encryption-firm-report-280146">Crypto AG</a>'s forte and after its establishment in the 1940s, it was used by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">CIA </a>and the NSA to making cryptography equipment.

Governments the world over trusted the Swiss firm for more than half a century to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. The clientele of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-german-spies-plundered-global-secrets-via-swiss-encryption-firm-report-280146">Crypto AG</a> included Iran, military juntas in Latin America, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-and-several-other-nations-spied-on-by-cia-through-swiss-encryption-firm-280330">India</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-first-wife-gatecrashes-husbands-third-wedding-thrashes-him-280304">Pakistan </a>and even the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-voices-outrage-over-amazon-basin-exploitation-280326">Vatican</a>.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash</a>

None of the customers ever came to know that the Swiss firm secretly belonged to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">CIA </a>in a highly classified partnership with West German intelligence. Spy agencies reportedly rigged the company's devices so they could easily break the codes that countries used to send encrypted messages.

Reports from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">CIA </a>state that foreign governments were paying good money to the US and West Germany for the privilege of having their most secret communications read by at least two (and possibly as many as five or six) foreign countries.

Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret.

Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. Crypto AG entered into a deal with America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1951 and came under its ownership in the 1970s. As per reports, the US and its allies exploited other nations' gullibility for years, taking their money and stealing their secrets. Also read: US, German spies plundered global secrets via Swiss encryption firm Communications and Information Security was the Crypto AG's forte and after its establishment in the 1940s, it was used by the CIA and the NSA to making cryptography equipment. Governments the world over trusted the Swiss firm for more than half a century to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. The clientele of Crypto AG included Iran, military juntas in Latin America, India, Pakistan and even the Vatican. Also see: Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash None of the customers ever came to know that the Swiss firm secretly belonged to the CIA in a highly classified partnership with West German intelligence. Spy agencies reportedly rigged the company's devices so they could easily break the codes that countries used to send encrypted messages. Reports from the CIA state that foreign governments were paying good money to the US and West Germany for the privilege of having their most secret communications read by at least two (and possibly as many as five or six) foreign countries.

India, Pakistan and several other nations spied on by CIA through Swiss encryption firm

U.S. intelligence agencies have raised concerns over India's ability to control the possible spread of the coronavirus. The report raised questions about India's countermeasures and also the country's population density.

U.S. Intelligence raised concerns over India's ability against coronavirus

Newly-released documents of America's Central Intelligence Agency documents revealed how Insectothopter, first micro UAV flight of an insect-seized vehicle, was developed in the 1970s.

According to the declassified files, Insectothopter, a tiny aerial surveillance device, had a miniature engine to move wings up and down.&nbsp;

<img alt="insctophopter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4cecd80d-907c-43c3-bf41-98add7a77f3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/insect%203.jpg" />

Documents also revealed how flight tests were impressive for a laser-guided flight of 200 meters for 1 minute. But, control in crosswinds was too difficult as the wing was "much too high and the stability, guidance, and control seemed impossible", thus making it susceptible to crosswinds.

<img alt="insctophopter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4f832cc-3ebe-4003-a1f7-0dbf0af08ae6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/insect%204.jpg" />

The description of Insectothopter said that the vehicle is a fluttering wing, miniature drone, which had limited flight characteristics. The design was intended to be insect-like in appearance when casually observed.&nbsp;

It was also considered to be handy for audio operations and had a range of up to 200 meters, which could be launched through a roof, window or even a moving vehicle.

The Insectothopter was tested in free-flight and wind tunnel tests and was a success in "controlled-environment" lab tests. Though the ultimate demonstration of controlled powered flight was not achieved.

Even though the project at the end was evaluated as "excellent", Insectothopter never came into use for the CIA due to the&nbsp;lack of support from potential users.&nbsp;The additional research funds required to meet the final intelligence objective was also larger than expected.

Hence, it never made its debut for the coveted Intelligence Agency, CIA.

Newly-released documents of America's Central Intelligence Agency documents revealed how Insectothopter, first micro UAV flight of an insect-seized vehicle, was developed in the 1970s.

Newly-released documents of America's Central Intelligence Agency documents revealed how Insectothopter, first micro UAV flight of an insect-seized vehicle, was developed in the 1970s. According to the declassified files, Insectothopter, a tiny aerial surveillance device, had a miniature engine to move wings up and down. Documents also revealed how flight tests were impressive for a laser-guided flight of 200 meters for 1 minute. But, control in crosswinds was too difficult as the wing was "much too high and the stability, guidance, and control seemed impossible", thus making it susceptible to crosswinds. The description of Insectothopter said that the vehicle is a fluttering wing, miniature drone, which had limited flight characteristics. The design was intended to be insect-like in appearance when casually observed. It was also considered to be handy for audio operations and had a range of up to 200 meters, which could be launched through a roof, window or even a moving vehicle. The Insectothopter was tested in free-flight and wind tunnel tests and was a success in "controlled-environment" lab tests. Though the ultimate demonstration of controlled powered flight was not achieved. Even though the project at the end was evaluated as "excellent", Insectothopter never came into use for the CIA due to the lack of support from potential users. The additional research funds required to meet the final intelligence objective was also larger than expected. Hence, it never made its debut for the coveted Intelligence Agency, CIA.

Insectothopter: The bug-carrying bug

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown</a>

Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-forces-clash-despite-talk-of-breakthrough-in-peace-deal-280693">Taliban, Afghan forces clash despite talk of breakthrough in peace deal</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday there was a 'good chance' of reaching an agreement with the Taliban on a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-forces-clash-despite-talk-of-breakthrough-in-peace-deal-280693">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting</a>

Griveaux has been subjected to months of anonymous statements defaming him and threats to disclose private conversations stolen from him becoming a routine fiasco for Griveaux and his family. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/280673">Doughnut in space: NASA unveils most distant object ever visited</a>

NASA said the Arrokoth's smooth surface indicated it was well preserved since the end of the planet formation era.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/280673">READ MORE</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antartica-melt-down-a-snow-paradise-falls-victim-to-drastic-climate-change-280656">Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time</a>

Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antartica-melt-down-a-snow-paradise-falls-victim-to-drastic-climate-change-280656">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle-meghan-markle-prince-harry-fire-all-their-staff-in-uk-280692">Meghan Markle, Prince Harry fire all their staff in UK</a>

According to a report, the couple closed their UK office and asked their staff to leave way back in January soon after they decided to quit the royal family.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle-meghan-markle-prince-harry-fire-all-their-staff-in-uk-280692">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-non-profit-organization-ruins-trafficking-industry-with-sex-worker-chatbots-to-deter-potential-buyers-and-victims-280681">Non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking with ‘sex worker’ chatbots to deter potential buyers and victims</a>

2.1 million ads were placed between 2014 and 2016 that had simple deterrence messages such as “You could be arrested for buying sex online” or “By buying sex online you could be causing harm to a victim” and links to counselling services and other support groups.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-non-profit-organization-ruins-trafficking-industry-with-sex-worker-chatbots-to-deter-potential-buyers-and-victims-280681">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death</a>

According to the health ministry, 64,600 people have now been infected with the virus nationwide. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">READ MORE</a> 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-says-im-fine-after-his-son-talks-about-brazilian-football-legends-depression-280615">Pele says 'I will be 80, I'm fine', dismisses son's claim on depression</a>

The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pele-says-im-fine-after-his-son-talks-about-brazilian-football-legends-depression-280615">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mcc-captain-kumar-sangakkara-to-revisit-2009-wound-in-pakistan-280663">Kumar Sangakkara visits Lahore for first time after 2009 bus attack on Lankan team</a>

The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by militants in 2009 that killed eight people. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mcc-captain-kumar-sangakkara-to-revisit-2009-wound-in-pakistan-280663">READ MORE</a>

Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus.

Air pollution grips China's capital despite reduced emissions from coronavirus economic slowdown Home to 22 million people, the capital has not resumed full economic activity following the Lunar New Year holiday due to the coronavirus. READ MORE Taliban, Afghan forces clash despite talk of breakthrough in peace deal US President Donald Trump said on Thursday there was a 'good chance' of reaching an agreement with the Taliban on a reduction of US troops in Afghanistan.READ MORE Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting Griveaux has been subjected to months of anonymous statements defaming him and threats to disclose private conversations stolen from him becoming a routine fiasco for Griveaux and his family. READ MORE Doughnut in space: NASA unveils most distant object ever visited NASA said the Arrokoth's smooth surface indicated it was well preserved since the end of the planet formation era.READ MORE Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.READ MORE Meghan Markle, Prince Harry fire all their staff in UK According to a report, the couple closed their UK office and asked their staff to leave way back in January soon after they decided to quit the royal family.READ MORE Non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking with ‘sex worker’ chatbots to deter potential buyers and victims 2.1 million ads were placed between 2014 and 2016 that had simple deterrence messages such as “You could be arrested for buying sex online” or “By buying sex online you could be causing harm to a victim” and links to counselling services and other support groups.READ MORE China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death According to the health ministry, 64,600 people have now been infected with the virus nationwide. READ MORE Pele says 'I will be 80, I'm fine', dismisses son's claim on depression The statement comes after Pele's son Edinho, in an interview to a Brazilian sports website had said: "He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house. He is very shy, reclusive." READ MORE Kumar Sangakkara visits Lahore for first time after 2009 bus attack on Lankan team The match will take place in the same Gaddafi Stadium, where the Sri Lankan team was attacked by militants in 2009 that killed eight people. READ MORE

Top 10 world news today: Erdogan in Pak, Pulwama anniversary and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551">Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus</a>

Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears</a> 
 
United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545">Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims</a>

Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540">Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities</a>

Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532">Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts</a>

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523">How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries</a>

Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521">Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive</a>

Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a>

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477">Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido</a>

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic. Read More Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago. Read More Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak. Read More Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky. Read More How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish. Read More Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male. Read More Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix. Read More US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. Read More Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Read More

Top 10 world news today: China Flight Ban, COVID-19 death in Japan and more

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India. Meanwhile, Pakistan court convicted global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case on Tuesday.

Here are the top ten stories of the day:

India, Pakistan and several other nations spied on by CIA through Swiss encryption firm

Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-and-several-other-nations-spied-on-by-cia-through-swiss-encryption-firm-280330">Read more</a>

Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case

Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months while a fine of Rs 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief in each case.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-convicts-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-280268">Read more</a>

Need some space? NASA has got the job for you

American astronauts are to ascend to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – as NASA announced that applications are being accepted from March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts. Finalisation of candidates is to be completed by the middle of 2021.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-expecting-applications-to-further-expeditions-to-the-moon-mars-and-beyond-280296">Read more</a>

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to work with Goldman Sachs

Duke of Sussex Prince Harry is reportedly entering talks with controversial banking giant Goldman Sachs. The alleged negotiations between Sachs and the British royals could earn the latter upwards of £1billion in corporate deals.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-to-work-with-goldman-sachs-280329">Read more</a>

US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress

The US and the Taliban appeared closer Wednesday to sealing a deal for an American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reported "notable progress" in negotiations and a senior Taliban official said violence could be slashed in the coming days.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-breakthrough-appears-closer-as-ghani-reports-progress-280270">Read more</a>

Iran woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection

An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-woman-dies-of-suspected-coronavirus-infection-280322">Read more</a>

Indonesia bans 600 nationals from returning home due to connections with ISIS

In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-bans-600-nationals-from-returning-home-due-to-connections-with-isis-280327">Read more</a>

Kremlin accuses Turkey of failing to 'neutralise terrorists' in Idlib

The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-turkey-of-failing-to-neutralise-terrorists-in-idlib-280328">&nbsp;Read more</a>

Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines

Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/latest-business-news-google-goes-to-court-for-825-billion-euros-over-eu-antitrust-violations-280222">Read more</a>

Recurring radio signals heard from space after 16 days: Study

Scientists have observed a mysterious space signal deep from space which has been repeating in a 16-day cycle.

The findings are included in the pre-print of a paper on arXiv. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/recurring-radio-signals-heard-from-space-after-16-days-280186">Read more</a>

 
&nbsp;

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India.

America's intelligence agency CIA spied on several countries including India and Pakistan. The latest report came weeks ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India. Meanwhile, Pakistan court convicted global terrorist Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case on Tuesday. Here are the top ten stories of the day: India, Pakistan and several other nations spied on by CIA through Swiss encryption firm Encrypted messages from several countries were reportedly being read by the CIA for decades, including India, through its secretly-owned Switzerland-based company trusted by governments all over the world to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret. Read more Pakistan court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in two terror-financing cases. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months while a fine of Rs 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief in each case. Read more Need some space? NASA has got the job for you American astronauts are to ascend to the International Space Station – with an eye toward the Moon and Mars – as NASA announced that applications are being accepted from March 2 to 31 for the next class of Artemis Generation astronauts. Finalisation of candidates is to be completed by the middle of 2021. Read more Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to work with Goldman Sachs Duke of Sussex Prince Harry is reportedly entering talks with controversial banking giant Goldman Sachs. The alleged negotiations between Sachs and the British royals could earn the latter upwards of £1billion in corporate deals. Read more US-Taliban breakthrough appears closer as Afghan President Ghani reports progress The US and the Taliban appeared closer Wednesday to sealing a deal for an American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reported "notable progress" in negotiations and a senior Taliban official said violence could be slashed in the coming days. Read more Iran woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources. Read more Indonesia bans 600 nationals from returning home due to connections with ISIS In a bold move, Indonesia has barred the return of more than 600 of its citizens as they are believed to be fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Read more Kremlin accuses Turkey of failing to 'neutralise terrorists' in Idlib The Kremlin on Wednesday accused Turkey of failing to "neutralise terrorists" in Syria's last rebel bastion Idlib as tensions escalate with Ankara over the protracted conflict. Read more Google goes to court over EU antitrust fines Google is seeking to overturn the first of three hefty European Union antitrust fines at Europe's second-highest court in a landmark case that could determine how EU enforcers take on US tech giants for abuse of market power. Read more Recurring radio signals heard from space after 16 days: Study Scientists have observed a mysterious space signal deep from space which has been repeating in a 16-day cycle. The findings are included in the pre-print of a paper on arXiv. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Hafiz Saeed convicted, US-Taliban talks, Idlib crisis and more

January 22 in history: First live radio commentary, creation of the CIA and lots more!

Qasem Soleimani: The latest file terminated at CIA Headquarters

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-banks-and-government-sites-burned-in-iran-unrest-interior-minister-abdolreza-rahmani-fazli-264898">street violence</a> that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday.

"Some elements who tried to collect information about the recent riots and send them out of the country... were identified and arrested," IRNA quoted the director-general of the intelligence ministry's counter-espionage department as saying.

Six of those arrested were alleged to have been "attending the riots and carrying out orders", IRNA said, without naming the official.

Two others accused of trying to collect information and transfer it abroad were arrested before they could leave the country, the news agency said.

They had all been "trained in different countries on how to collect information... as citizen-journalists", it added.

Iran's arch-foe the United States said on Tuesday it had received thousands of messages from the Islamic republic about protests, including photos and videos, after issuing an appeal for them to defy internet restrictions.

"We've received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime's abuses through Telegram messaging services," Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-pompeo-for-outdated-cold-war-thinking-in-berlin-speech-against-china-261668">Mike Pompeo</a> said, referring to the encrypted app.

The unrest, triggered by a sharp rise in petrol prices, came after a year and a half of biting sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump that aim to contain Iran's regional role.

Amnesty International said Monday that at least 143 demonstrators have been killed since November 15 in Iran's crackdown.

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during street violence that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday.

Iran arrested eight people "linked to the CIA" during street violence that erupted in nationwide demonstrations against a decision to hike fuel prices, state news agency IRNA reported late Wednesday. "Some elements who tried to collect information about the recent riots and send them out of the country... were identified and arrested," IRNA quoted the director-general of the intelligence ministry's counter-espionage department as saying. Six of those arrested were alleged to have been "attending the riots and carrying out orders", IRNA said, without naming the official. Two others accused of trying to collect information and transfer it abroad were arrested before they could leave the country, the news agency said. They had all been "trained in different countries on how to collect information... as citizen-journalists", it added. Iran's arch-foe the United States said on Tuesday it had received thousands of messages from the Islamic republic about protests, including photos and videos, after issuing an appeal for them to defy internet restrictions. "We've received to date nearly 20,000 messages, videos, pictures, notes of the regime's abuses through Telegram messaging services," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, referring to the encrypted app. The unrest, triggered by a sharp rise in petrol prices, came after a year and a half of biting sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump that aim to contain Iran's regional role. Amnesty International said Monday that at least 143 demonstrators have been killed since November 15 in Iran's crackdown.

Iran arrests eight 'linked to CIA' during unrest: State media

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the <a href="Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations">foundations of Donald Trump's presidency</a> is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday.

The man "was detailed to work at the White House at one point" but has since returned to the CIA, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his identity.

The complaint, which describes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-zelensky-calls-controversial-donald-trump-call-normal-252078">Trump using his powers to pressure the Ukraine government</a> to find damaging information on Democratic political rival Joe Biden, "suggested he was an analyst by training and made clear he was steeped in details of American foreign policy toward Europe," the Times said.

Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-meets-ukraines-zelensky-at-united-nations-252125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also was clearly knowledgable about Ukrainian politics and Washington's relations with Kiev, which Trump is accused of manipulating to gain an advantage in next year's presidential election.

It was the first indication of the whistleblower's identity, other than previous statements saying it was either a man or a woman from the nearly million-strong intelligence community.

The person's identity is protected by US laws supporting officials who go through proper channels to report gross misconduct by their colleagues or superiors.

But the person is expected to testify soon behind closed doors in Congress, raising the prospect of exposure as more and more people to learn their identity.

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the foundations of Donald Trump's presidency is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday.

The whistleblower whose complaint has shaken the foundations of Donald Trump's presidency is a male officer of the Central Intelligence Agency who was seconded to the White House, the New York Times reported Thursday. The man "was detailed to work at the White House at one point" but has since returned to the CIA, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his identity. The complaint, which describes Trump using his powers to pressure the Ukraine government to find damaging information on Democratic political rival Joe Biden, "suggested he was an analyst by training and made clear he was steeped in details of American foreign policy toward Europe," the Times said. Watch: Trump meets Ukraine's Zelensky at United Nations × He also was clearly knowledgable about Ukrainian politics and Washington's relations with Kiev, which Trump is accused of manipulating to gain an advantage in next year's presidential election. It was the first indication of the whistleblower's identity, other than previous statements saying it was either a man or a woman from the nearly million-strong intelligence community. The person's identity is protected by US laws supporting officials who go through proper channels to report gross misconduct by their colleagues or superiors. But the person is expected to testify soon behind closed doors in Congress, raising the prospect of exposure as more and more people to learn their identity.

Whistleblower in Donald Trump Ukraine scandal a CIA officer: Report

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/snowden-says-he-hopes-france-will-grant-him-asylum-249728"> Edward Snowden </a>seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book.

The civil lawsuit against Snowden, who is living in Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, accuses him of violating non-disclosure agreements he signed with the CIA and NSA.

Snowden retorted on Twitter that "Permanent Record," which went on sale on Tuesday, is "the book the government doesn't want you to read."

The suit alleges that Snowden published his book without first submitting it to the two government agencies for pre-publication review.

In a statement, the Justice Department said it was not trying to block publication but is seeking to recover any book proceeds earned by Snowden, who is facing espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades.

The publisher of the book, Macmillan Publishers, was also named in the lawsuit "to ensure that no funds are transferred to Snowden," the Justice Department said.

"Edward Snowden has violated an obligation he undertook to the United States when he signed agreements as part of his employment by the CIA and as an NSA contractor," assistant attorney general Jody Hunt said.

"The United States' ability to protect sensitive national security information depends on employees' and contractors' compliance with their non-disclosure agreements," Hunt said.

"We will not permit individuals to enrich themselves, at the expense of the United States, without complying with their pre-publication review obligations."

G. Zachary Terwilliger, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the lawsuit was filed, said the suit was intended to "ensure that Edward Snowden receives no monetary benefits from breaching the trust placed in him."

"Intelligence information should protect our nation, not provide personal profit," Terwilliger said.

'Stamp of authenticity'?

Snowden countered,&nbsp;"It is hard to think of a greater stamp of authenticity than the US government filing a lawsuit claiming your book is so truthful that it was literally against the law to write."

The former NSA contractor has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11.

Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security and filed charges against him under the Espionage Act.

In an interview with "CBS This Morning" broadcast Monday, he said he would like to return home -- if he can get a fair trial.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book.

The US Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Edward Snowden seeking to prevent the former CIA employee and National Security Agency contractor from profiting from his new book. The civil lawsuit against Snowden, who is living in Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, accuses him of violating non-disclosure agreements he signed with the CIA and NSA. Snowden retorted on Twitter that "Permanent Record," which went on sale on Tuesday, is "the book the government doesn't want you to read." The suit alleges that Snowden published his book without first submitting it to the two government agencies for pre-publication review. In a statement, the Justice Department said it was not trying to block publication but is seeking to recover any book proceeds earned by Snowden, who is facing espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades. The publisher of the book, Macmillan Publishers, was also named in the lawsuit "to ensure that no funds are transferred to Snowden," the Justice Department said. "Edward Snowden has violated an obligation he undertook to the United States when he signed agreements as part of his employment by the CIA and as an NSA contractor," assistant attorney general Jody Hunt said. "The United States' ability to protect sensitive national security information depends on employees' and contractors' compliance with their non-disclosure agreements," Hunt said. "We will not permit individuals to enrich themselves, at the expense of the United States, without complying with their pre-publication review obligations." G. Zachary Terwilliger, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the lawsuit was filed, said the suit was intended to "ensure that Edward Snowden receives no monetary benefits from breaching the trust placed in him." "Intelligence information should protect our nation, not provide personal profit," Terwilliger said. 'Stamp of authenticity'? Snowden countered, "It is hard to think of a greater stamp of authenticity than the US government filing a lawsuit claiming your book is so truthful that it was literally against the law to write." The former NSA contractor has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11. Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security and filed charges against him under the Espionage Act. In an interview with "CBS This Morning" broadcast Monday, he said he would like to return home -- if he can get a fair trial.

US Justice Department sues American whistleblower Snowden over new book

Cats, dolphins and one smart raven: CIA's secret animal spies

Cia, News on Cia, stories on Cia, articles on Cia, Cia stories at Wion, Cia news, Cia latest news