U.S. Government Worker Arrested for Leaking Classified Documents on Israel’s Planned Attack on Iran

Washington, D.C., November 13, 2024 — A U.S. government employee has been charged with leaking classified information related to Israel’s plans to launch a military strike against Iran, as revealed by court documents filed on Wednesday. The man, identified as Asif William Rahman, was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia and is expected to appear in court in Guam soon.

Details of the Charges

Rahman, who held top-secret security clearance, faces two felony counts of willful transmission of national defense information, each carrying a potentially severe prison sentence. Prosecutors have not disclosed which federal agency employed Rahman, though the charges stem from classified documents originating from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

These documents reportedly appeared on a Telegram channel last month, detailing Israel’s movement of military assets in preparation for a strike on Iran. Israel had been preparing this operation in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1, which led to a retaliatory attack by Israel on Iranian sites in late October.

Classified Information Shared Among “Five Eyes” Nations

The leaked documents were deemed sharable within the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. This intelligence-sharing network operates to protect the national security interests of its members, making the leak particularly sensitive.

Rahman’s Arrest and Expected Proceedings

Rahman was arrested abroad, highlighting the international reach of the investigation led by the FBI. His first court appearance will take place in Guam, though it remains unclear if he has retained legal representation.

This incident follows a series of high-profile national security leaks, underscoring the challenge of protecting sensitive information. The arrest has raised concerns about the handling of classified information within government agencies and the effectiveness of security measures to prevent leaks.

Implications for U.S.-Israel Relations and National Security

This leak comes at a critical time for U.S.-Israel relations, as security tensions in the Middle East remain high. The release of information detailing Israel’s strategic preparations could undermine military operations and intelligence efforts aimed at countering Iran’s influence in the region.

As the case proceeds, it highlights the risks posed by insider threats and the need for stringent safeguards to protect national defense information. For Sheboygan Reports readers, this story reflects the growing complexities of global intelligence operations and the ever-present risk of leaks within national security frameworks.