March 2009 Intelligence News

At Least 190 Cases of Aerial Espionage Perpetrated against DPRK in March KCNA 31 Mar 2009 -- The US and S Korean military perpetrated intensive aerial espionage against the DPRK in March.
China Denies Any Role in 'GhostNet' Computer Hacking VOA 31 Mar 2009 -- Beijing officials deny any involvement in spy ring dubbed "GhostNet," which has infiltrated 1,000 computers around the world.
67 militants killed in N. Caucasus since start 2009 - FSB chief RIA Novosti 31 Mar 2009 -- At least 67 militants have been killed and 233 detained in special operations since the beginning of 2009.
Surveillance Vehicles Take Flight Using Alternative Energy Navy NewsStand 31 Mar 2009 -- Office of Naval Research's "Ion Tiger" unmanned aerial vehiclewill test a hydrogen-powered fuel cell design this spring.
Exiled Tibetan Government Expresses Concern over Cyber-Spying Traced to China VOA 30 Mar 2009 -- Officials of Tibet's government-in-exile: Information appeared to end up in the hands of Chinese government.
Canadian Researchers Uncover China-Based Electronic Spying Operation VOA 30 Mar 2009 -- Canadian researchers have uncovered a China-based spying operation that infiltrated computers in 103 countries.
Russian Group's Claims Reopen Debate On Estonian Cyberattacks RFE/RL 30 Mar 2009 -- For nearly three weeks in the spring of 2007, Estonia was struck by a wave of sophisticated cyberattacks.
Pakistan's former spy chief terms Obama's speech 'disappointing' IRNA 29 Mar 2009 -- The speech by US President Barack Obama has not only disappointed many in Pakistan but proved that he is not different from his predecessors, a former Pakistani military spy chief said on Saturday.
Spain to Consider Prosecuting Bush Officials Over Torture Allegations VOA 29 Mar 2009 -- A Spanish court has agreed to consider charging six former U.S. officials with providing legal justification for alleged torture at Guantanamo Bay.
Pentagon: Pakistani Intelligence Still Helps al-Qaida, US Aid Contingent on Change VOA 27 Mar 2009 -- The top U.S. military officer says there are indications Pakistan's intelligence service is still helping al-Qaida and Taliban militants in the country's tribal areas, along the Afghan border, and he says that must change.
Russia may soon end anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya RIA Novosti 27 Mar 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev ordered the Federal Security Service chief to consider formally ending operation in Chechnya.
New York Times: Widening Taliban Insurgency Aided by Pakistan VOA 26 Mar 2009 -- A published report says Pakistan's military intelligence operatives providing support to Taliban in southern Afghanistan.
Pakistan Urges Halt to US Missile Strikes in Tribal Areas VOA 26 Mar 2009 -- Pakistani officials are calling on the US to reconsider its use of unmanned aircraft in Pakistan's border region.
Pakistan says in serious talks with US on drone attacks IRNA 26 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan is in serious negotiations with the US over its drone aircraft attacks on the country’s tribal regions.
Pakistan forcefully takes up drone attacks with US: spokesman IRNA 26 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan has taken up the issue of American drone attacks inside the tribal regions very forcefully with the US.
US Intelligence Chief: Mexico Will Not Become 'Failed State' VOA 26 Mar 2009 -- The top U.S. intelligence officer says Mexico remains stable, despite the recent surge in violence spawned by the illegal drug trade.
Course trains intelligence analysts in ground operations AFNS 26 Mar 2009 -- Air Force intelligence analysts have been trained to focus on air threats since they first entered the service.
Airmen demonstrate unmanned aircraft not merely 'drones' AFNS 25 Mar 2009 -- The door to the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron features the words "We're not drones - we fire back."
Intel system gains warfighting role AFNS 25 Mar 2009 -- Officials from the 950th Electronic System Group are using a key imagery collection system known as Eagle Vision to transition victories.
Suspected US Missile Strike Kills 7 in Pakistan VOA 25 Mar 2009 -- Pakistani intelligence: Suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least seven people, including foreigners, in a tribal region bordering Afghanistan.
CACI Responds to Court's Decision in Iraq Lawsuit CACI 23 Mar 2009 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CAI) announced today that it respectfully disagrees with the ruling by the U.S District Court in Virginia denying CACI's motion to dismiss a case alleging abuse at Abu Ghraib prison.
New Details of Torture Allegations Spark New Debate VOA 23 Mar 2009 -- New grim details have emerged of torture allegations made by high-profile detainees held by the CIA at secret locations outside the US.
ISR operations: 'Eye in the sky' AFNS 23 Mar 2009 -- At the tip of innovation are the revolutionary changes being seen in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
Pakistan urges CIA chief to halt 'counter-productive' drone attacks IRNA 22 Mar 2009 -- Pakisrani President and the Prime Minister Saturday asked the visiting CIA chief to halt drone aircraft attacks on the country’s tribal regions as these strikes are counter productive and are increasing anti-U.S sentiments, sources said.
UN Launches Probe of Secret Detention Sites VOA 21 Mar 2009 -- U.N. human rights investigators are launching a year-long global investigation into secret places of detention. They note the use of such facilities has increased since the global war on terror was declared after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States.
CIA Chief Meets Pakistani Leaders VOA 21 Mar 2009 -- The director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency was in Pakistan Saturday for talks with the country's top leaders.
Russia seeks to bring Georgia under control - intelligence chief RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- The head of Georgia's foreign intelligence service accused Moscow of trying to oust the current Georgian leader.
Patriot 7 course combines ISR with mission AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead.
CIA chief likely to visit Pakistan on Friday IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- The newly appointed Chief of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Leon E Panetta, is likely to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan's Islamic party condemns US plan to expand drone attacks IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan's main Islamic party angrily reacted to a reported American plan to expand its covert operation in the country.
US agrees to address to Pakistan's concerns over drone attacks: FM IRNA 19 Mar 2009 -- FM Qureshi: US has agreed to address to Pakistan’s concern over drone attacks on the tribal regions.
India, US discuss terror, unrest in Pakistan IRNA 19 Mar 2009 -- India and US discussed various issues including terrorism and unrest in neighbouring Pakistan.
Russian military intelligence head to keep post, focus on reform RIA Novosti 19 Mar 2009 -- The head of Russia's military intelligence is to retain his post for 2 more years and will focus on internal reform.
AF Raven B operators maintain 'eyes-on' for ground forces AFNS 19 Mar 2009 -- Tiny Raven B UAS hovered above the ground for a moment then fell to the ground, waiting for Sergeant Tomkiewicz to retrieve it.
Report: Obama Weighing Wider Covert War in Pakistan VOA 18 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan's information minister hopes US unmanned aircraft attacks will not be expanded to include southern Baluchistan province.
CIA Kidnap Trial in Italy to Resume in April VOA 18 Mar 2009 -- An Italian judge says the trial of 26 US agents and seven Italians accused of kidnapping a terrorism suspect will resume next month.
Iran's New 'Spy Drones' Take To The Skies RFE/RL 18 Mar 2009 -- The Pentagon confirmed on March 16 that the U.S. military shot down one of Iran's unarmed drone planes in Iraqi airspace in February.
Iran: No Knowledge of US Report of Drone Downing VOA 17 Mar 2009 -- Iran's FM spokesman: No information about a U.S. military report that U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone last month over Iraq.
U.S. Forces Say They Shot Down Iranian Drone Over Iraq RFE/RL 17 Mar 2009 -- The US has reported shooting down an unmanned Iranian aircraft over Iraq last month, some 100 kilometers north of Baghdad.
Officials create Air Force Information Protection Directorate AFNS 17 Mar 2009 -- Airmen will transfer responsibility for information protection to Information Protection Directorate at Headquarters Air Force.
Freed British Resident Detainee Seeks Justice for Alleged Rendition Mistreatment VOA 13 Mar 2009 -- In his first broadcast interview after being held for nearly seven years, Binyam Mohamed has spoken to the BBC.
As Hit Men Strike, Concern Grows Among Chechen Exiles RFE/RL 12 Mar 2009 -- There's a trail of Chechen blood stretching from Istanbul to Vienna.
Northrop Grumman Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration Team Receives Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Commander's Award Northrop Grumman 12 Mar 2009 -- The Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration (GHMD) team has been recognized with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commander's Award in a ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
Missile Attack Targets Suspected Militant Hideout in Pakistan VOA 12 Mar 2009 -- A missile believed to be fired from a US drone aircraft hit a suspected militant hideout in Pakistan Thursday, killing at least 12 people.
Italy's Highest Court Throws Out Charges in CIA Kidnapping Case VOA 11 Mar 2009 -- Italy's highest court has thrown out charges against intelligence agents accused of kidnapping an Egyptian in Milan in 2003.
Chinese Military Chiefs Accuse US Navy of Spying VOA 11 Mar 2009 -- Chinese naval officials: US naval ship that was involved in a standoff Sunday near China's southern coast was on a spying mission.
China protests over U.S. Navy activities RIA Novosti 11 Mar 2009 -- China has lodged an official protest against the US Navy over unauthorized activities in China's exclusive maritime economic zone.
Former N. Korean Spy Holds Meeting with Abductee Family VOA 11 Mar 2009 -- Former North Korean spy has met with family members of a Japanese woman who was apparently abducted by the North's agents.
Over 240 militants killed in south Russia in 2008 RIA Novosti 11 Mar 2009 -- Special forces in south Russia killed 243 militants including 23 gang leaders in 2008.
Expert Sees U.S. Intelligence Testimony On Iran As 'Clarification' RFE/RL 11 Mar 2009 -- Top U.S. intelligence officials told lawmakers in Washington Iran has yet to decide whether to build a nuclear bomb.
Iran has not decided to produce nuclear arms, US intelligence chief IRNA 11 Mar 2009 -- US intelligence officials: Iran has not produced the highly enriched uranium necessary for a nuclear weapon.
US Intelligence Official Says China Adopting More Aggressive Military Posture VOA 10 Mar 2009 -- Director of National Intelligence: US-China dispute in the S China Sea most serious since a plane collision 8 years ago.
BAE SYSTEMS SHOWCASES MANTIS AND HERTI AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AT AVALON 2009 BAE Systems 10 Mar 2009 -- Visitors to Avalon (the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition) will see BAE Systems’ vision of the future capability of autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on display via its MANTIS and HERTI systems.
US Intelligence Chief: Economic Crisis, Population Growth Threaten Global Stability VOA 10 Mar 2009 -- Top US intelligence officials: financial crisis, population growth, and potential conflict pose the greatest threats.
Air Force officials release Predator accident report AFNS 09 Mar 2009 -- Short circuit caused electrical fluctuations to primary control module and critical components, thus causing the crash of an MQ-1 Predator.
UK withdraws Nimrod surveillance planes from overseas operations IRNA 09 Mar 2009 -- Britain's fleet of Nimrod surveillance planes are to be withdrawn from operations overseas to undergo safety modifications.
Gitmo exposes MI5 complicity in torture IRNA 08 Mar 2009 -- Britain's intelligence service the MI5 is being accused of complicity in the torture of a UK resident recently released from Guantanamo prison.
Under U.S. Eye, Iraqis Blend Intelligence With Rule of Law AFPS 06 Mar 2009 -- Iraq’s internal intelligence community is gradually making the transition from wartime to peacetime operations.
Ukraine's Naftogaz demands security service stop pressuring staff RIA Novosti 06 Mar 2009 -- Naftogaz issued a written statement demanding the country's Security Service stop pressuring staff.
Guard aviators gear up for Afghanistan deployment AFNS 05 Mar 2009 -- Four New York Army National Guard aviators got a taste of high-altitude flying in Afghanistan on Feb. 25 without leaving the United States.
Ukraine parliament sets up commission to look into Naftogaz raid RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2009 -- Ukraine's parliament voted to set up a commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding raid of Naftogaz.
Ukraine's security service halts Naftogaz probe RIA Novosti 05 Mar 2009 -- Ukrainian security service stopped a probe into the natural gas dealings of energy company Naftogaz, following a court ruling.
US Lawmakers Consider Probe of Bush Security Policies VOA 04 Mar 2009 -- Chairman of US Senate Judiciary Committee proposed independent commission to investigate Bush administration policies.
New Claims That Chechen Leader Ordered Killings Abroad RFE/RL 04 Mar 2009 -- Video clip posted on YouTube in which a young Chechen man describes how he was tasked to assassinate a Chechen emigre.
Iran to investigate claims of Israeli war crimes - minister RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2009 -- Iran's intelligence service will conduct its own investigation into claims Israel committed war crimes in Gaza.
Ukrainian Security Service seizes documents during Naftogaz raid RIA Novosti 04 Mar 2009 -- Ukrainian Security Service agents raided the headquarters of Naftogaz, seizing documentation relating to gas deal.
MPs to question Miliband on torture allegations IRNA 03 Mar 2009 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee announced it will be taking oral evidence from Foreign Secretary Milband on the case of Binyam Mohamed.
Department of Justice Releases Nine Office of Legal Counsel Memoranda and Opinions US Dept. of Justice 02 Mar 2009 -- The Department of Justice today released two previously undisclosed Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) memoranda and seven previously undisclosed opinions
CIA Destroyed Nearly 100 Terror Interrogation Tapes VOA 02 Mar 2009 -- The CIA has acknowledged destroying nearly 100 videotapes of terror suspect interrogations conducted during the Bush administration.
Unmanned aerial system fires weapons in combat; proves capabilities, makes history MNF-I 02 Mar 2009 -- A team of Soldiers from Alpha Troop, , 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, made history Feb. 23 when the unmanned aerial vehicle they were operating became the first armed Warrior Alpha unmanned aerial system to fire missiles in combat
Boeing Insitu ScanEagle UAS Completes Sea Trials With Singapore Navy Boeing 02 Mar 2009 -- ScanEagle, a long-endurance, fully autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developed by The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and subsidiary Insitu, today successfully completed a ship-based trial with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
Estonia, NATO Weigh Damage Done By Russian Mole RFE/RL 01 Mar 2009 -- This week's conviction in Estonia of former senior defense official Herman Simm as a Russian spy ends what officials have described as the biggest espionage scandal in NATO's history

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