April 2014 Intelligence News

U.S. Still Hunting KGB, Decades After Cold War RFE/RL 30 Apr 2014 -- Attention former KGB officers: If you were involved in rights abuses during Soviet times and find yourself in the United States, U.S. authorities may be looking for you.
CIA delays declassifying congressional report on harsh interrogations VoR 30 Apr 2014 -- The CIA has demonstrated remarkable reluctance to declassify parts of the congressional report on harsh interrogation techniques of suspected terrorists. No more is the agency eager to be open regarding its other sensitive operations and history. In recent years, CIA decision-makers have wrestled with Congress, archivists, journalists, former CIA employees and even an ex-CIA director over what information could be revealed. Usually, secrecy holds upper hand.
Air Force tests new surveillance capability AFNS 28 Apr 2014 -- The Air Force successfully completed the first Maritime Modes program risk reduction flight April 14, 2014, as the service moves toward providing a new air-sea battle surveillance capability.
Ex-Air Force colonel sentenced to 20 years for leaking secrets CNA 28 Apr 2014 -- A former Air Force colonel was sentenced Monday to 20 years and an accomplice to 15 years by the Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch for leaking military secrets to China.
Chinese spies read Australian MPs' emails for a year - report VoR 28 Apr 2014 -- A cyber attack on the Australian parliamentary computer network in 2011 may have given Chinese intelligence agencies access to lawmakers' private emails for an entire year, the Australian Financial Review reported on Monday, according to Reuters. The newspaper, citing government and security sources, said new information showed the attack had been more extensive than previously thought and 'effectively gave them control of' the entire system.
US authorities can access data on servers worldwide – court ruling VoR 28 Apr 2014 -- In a most controversial ruling that came about last Friday, Internet service providers are obliged to turn over all customer emails and other digital content sought by US government search warrants even when the data is stored overseas.
US Army Military Intelligence Section Established, 3 May 1917 Army News 23 Apr 2014 -- When the United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, the US Army's intelligence efforts were nearly non-existent. Early attempts to gather important information about foreign armies had resulted in the creation of a Military Information Division in 1885. In 1903, the division was transferred from the Adjutant General's Office to the Office of the Chief of Staff, where it became the Second Division of the General Staff.
Iran denies Bahrain's espionage allegations ISNA 23 Apr 2014 -- An Iranian informed foreign ministry official called the recent Bahraini government's allegations on the country 'unfounded'.
Georgia Says Russia Releases Three Spies RFE/RL 22 Apr 2014 -- Georgia says Russia has freed three Georgians who were arrested on espionage charges after the 2008 war between the neighboring states.
US National Intelligence's boss bans his employees from contacts with journalists VoR 22 Apr 2014 -- The Director of the US National Intelligence James Clapper has forbidden his subordinate employees to discuss any issues concerning intelligence with journalists unless under a special permission. This is what his order that was issued on March 20 and became available to the press on April 21 says.
Court orders US to open up on drone attacks VoR 22 Apr 2014 -- The US government must make public secret papers justifying drone attacks against suspected terrorists, including American citizens, a New York federal appeals court ordered Monday. The case was brought by The New York Times and two of its journalists in a Freedom of Information Act case supported by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Mounting Israeli espionage scares US Iran Press TV 20 Apr 2014 -- There are fears in the United States that admitting Israel into the country's Visa Waiver Program would facilitate espionage activities by the Zionist regime in Washington.
Croatia extradites former spy chief to Germany Iran Press TV 18 Apr 2014 -- A former Yugoslav spy chief has been extradited to Germany for his alleged role in the murder of a political dissident on German soil more than three decades ago.
Guantanamo Judge Orders CIA to Turn Over Data on Secret Prisons RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2014 -- Military court at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base has ordered the CIA to provide information on secret prisons, Agence France-Presse reported Friday.
Turkish Law Gives Spy Agency Controversial Powers VOA 18 Apr 2014 -- Turkey's parliament has approved legislation to bolster the powers of the country's intelligence service, which the government claims is necessary to modernize and deal with new threats the country faces. But opponents say the measure will deepen a trend towards greater authoritarianism by the government.
Military judge at Guantanamo Bay orders information on CIA secret prisons VoR 18 Apr 2014 -- A military judge at Guantanamo Bay has ordered the US government to turn over information on secret CIA interrogation centers connected to the trial of the alleged mastermind of the 2000 USS Cole bombing.
Saudi Intelligence Chief Replaced 16 Apr 2014 -- Saudi Arabia's intelligence chief, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, has stepped down from his post. His resignation came at "his own request," according to Saudi state media. The 65 year old prince is being replaced by his deputy, General Youssef al Idrissi.
Iraqi authorities close down Abu Ghraib prison Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- The Iraqi justice minister has announced the closure of a prison in west of the capital Baghdad, and evacuation of all inmates over security concerns.
Iraq closes infamous prison in Abu Ghraib VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Iraq's notorious prison Abu Ghraib, infamous for torture and abuse of prisoners, has been closed, Justice Minister Hassan al-Shimmari announced on Tuesday. 'The Ministry of Justice has completed the evacuation of 2,400 prisoners from the facility. They are convicted of terrorism and will be transferred to prisons located in central and north provinces,' Iraqi media cited al-Shimmari as saying.
Iranian Army equipped with new system for reconnaissance ISNA 15 Apr 2014 -- Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili reiterated that the country's Army has been equipped with a new system with identification and reconnaissance capabilities.
White House confirms CIA Director visited Kiev over the weekend VoR 14 Apr 2014 -- The White House confirmed that the CIA chief John Brennan visited Kiev last weekend, where he held a series of secret meetings with the current leaders of Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Washington Post, Guardian share Pulitzer for NSA coverage VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- The Guardian and the Washington Post shared a Pulitzer Prize Monday for reporting on leaks from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that revealed a global surveillance network monitoring millions of Americans and foreigners.
US Army denies clemency for WikiLeaks source Manning VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- A US Army general has denied clemency to the soldier formerly known as Bradley Manning for leaking hundreds of thousands of documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks, upholding a 35-year sentence. Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, the convening authority in Manning's court-martial, approved the August findings and sentence of military Judge Denise Lind last week, but his decision was only made public Monday.
Manning's Conviction Upheld in WikiLeaks Case VOA 14 Apr 2014 -- A U.S. Army judge has upheld the conviction and 35-year prison sentence for the WikiLeaks informant formerly known as Private Bradley Manning.
CIA Denies Director Brennan's Role in Protest Crackdown in Ukraine RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2014 -- The Central Intelligence Agency rejected reports Monday that its director, John Brennan, orchestrated an operation in southeast Ukraine over the weekend against protesters rallying in support of federalization.
The CIA's Cultural War Against Soviet Russia VOA 13 Apr 2014 -- The recent revelation by the Washington Post that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency published and distributed Boris Pasternak's epic novel Dr. Zhivago to undermine the Soviets made headlines.
CIA spy escapes death penalty to serve 10 years Iran Press TV 12 Apr 2014 -- An Iranian national charged with spying for the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has escaped the death penalty and will instead serve 10 years behind bars.
Iran to stage specialized drone drill: Commander Iran Press TV 12 Apr 2014 -- An Iranian military commander says the Islamic Republic will stage specialized drone maneuvers for the first time ever to display the country's military might.
NATO Defends Accuracy of Satellite Images With Additional Proof NATO-ACO 11 Apr 2014 -- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) defends the accuracy of the images (found below) that were released to media on Thursday, 10 April 2014.
Report: CIA's torture methods exceeded legal authority Iran Press TV 11 Apr 2014 -- The CIA's justification for the use of torture methods during the presidency of George W. Bush was based on faulty legal reasoning, according to a classified US Senate report.
CIA's Harsh Interrogation Techniques Beyond Legal – US Senate Report RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2014 -- The CIA's enhanced interrogation program was not approved by the US Justice Department and impeded White House investigations, the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded in the summary of a new report obtained Thursday by the McClatchy news agency.
45th Space Wing launches NRO Satellite on board Atlas V AFNS 11 Apr 2014 -- The 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 here at 1:45 p.m. April 10 carrying a classified national security payload.
Imagery Reveals Destabilizing Russian Forces Near Ukraine Border NATO-ACO 10 Apr 2014 -- Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) released a package of satellite imagery to media outlets from across Europe on Thursday, 10 April 2014, that shows details of the location and type of Russian units NATO has observed along the border with Ukraine.
Significant milestone met as progress continues on AWACS upgrade AFNS 10 Apr 2014 -- An important milestone was recently reached on a significant upgrade improving capabilities for the Airborne Warning and Control System, better known as AWACS.
Israel launches satellite to spy on Iran, resistance movement Iran Press TV 10 Apr 2014 -- Israeli has launched its latest military spy satellite to conduct espionage activities on Iran's nuclear energy program and anti-Israeli resistance groups in the region.
Israel Launches New Surveillance Satellite RIA Novosti 10 Apr 2014 -- Israel has launched a new Ofek 10 satellite to enhance its space surveillance capabilities, Jerusalem Post reported Thursday citing a statement by Israeli Defense Ministry.
Israel launches Ofek 10 spy satellite VoR 10 Apr 2014 -- Israel on Wednesday evening launched a new spy satellite into orbit from an air force base in the center of the country. The spacecraft, the 'Ofek-10,' will reportedly orbit the Earth every 99 minutes from an altitude of 600 kilometers (373 miles). The launch, from the Palmachim IAF base near Rishon Lezion, was visible throughout much of Israel's center. According an Israel Radio report, much of air and sea traffic in the area was temporarily halted in order to facilitate the launch.
Chairman of new German NSA panel quits in spat over Snowden VoR 09 Apr 2014 -- The chairman of a new German parliamentary panel probing mass surveillance by the NSA abruptly quit on Wednesday, rejecting opposition demands that the body question fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden.
EU Data Retention Ruling May Roil US-European Relations VOA 08 Apr 2014 -- A major European court ruling regarding electronic privacy this week has the potential to shake up trans-Atlantic commerce and maybe impact the privacy debates in the United States over government snooping, analysts say,.
Iran's security forces disband foreign-linked terrorist team ISNA 08 Apr 2014 -- Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) disbanded a terrorist ring linked to foreigners' spy services in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran.
Snowden Tells Council of Europe Global Community Must Stop Mass Surveillance RIA Novosti 08 Apr 2014 -- The global community must develop new norms of action to challenge mass surveillance, US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden said Tuesday before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's session in Strasbourg via a video-link from Moscow.
European Court of Justice Shreds EU Data Retention Program RIA Novosti 08 Apr 2014 -- The Court of Justice of the European Union halted an EU program on retaining user internet data on Monday, citing privacy and human rights concerns, the court said in a statement.
'US annexed the whole world' through mass surveillance - Assange VoR 07 Apr 2014 -- Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief of the whistleblower website WikiLeaks, who currently lives in the Ecuadorian Embassy in UK, said that the United States and other members of the Five Eyes alliance (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom) control the whole world by being in charge of the communications technologies and systems.
CIA used Doctor Zhivago as Cold War weapon to undermine USSR VoR 07 Apr 2014 -- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was directly involved in publishing and distributing Boris Pasternaka??s Doctor Zhivago novel which was banned in USSR during the Cold War, according to newly declassified CIA documents published by the Washington Post Sunday.
Ex-CIA director: Sen. Feinstein too 'emotional' on CIA torture Iran Press TV 07 Apr 2014 -- Former CIA director Michael Hayden says the chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Dianne Feinstein (D-California), is being too "emotional" about the CIA's torture techniques.
CIA Used Doctor Zhivago as Cold War Weapon to Undermine USSR RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2014 -- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was directly involved in publishing and distributing Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago novel which was banned in USSR during the Cold War, according to newly declassified CIA documents published by the Washington Post Sunday.
Russia Prevented 258 Foreign Agents from Spying in 2013 – Putin RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2014 -- Russia's intelligence services last year stopped 46 foreign officials and 258 agents from spying in the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday.
Iran's IRGC arrests foreign-linked terrorist team Iran Press TV 07 Apr 2014 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has busted a major terrorism and sabotage network with links to foreign spy agencies in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan.
'US assurances on spying insufficient' Iran Press TV 06 Apr 2014 -- Germany has slammed the US for failing to provide sufficient assurances on its spying tactics against Berlin.
Snowden, Greenwald hold videoconference for human rights activists in Chicago, warn of wider US spying VoR 06 Apr 2014 -- Former analyst of US security services Edward Snowden and reporter Glenn Greenwald, who brought to light the whistleblower's leaks about mass US government surveillance last year, appeared together via video link from opposite ends of the earth at the Amnesty International US annual human rights meeting on Saturday for what was believed to be the first time since Snowden sought asylum in Russia. The annual meeting was held at a hotel in the US city of Chicago, Illinois, devoted to the problem of US intelligence interference in private life.
US doesn't know where to stop in electronic spying - Germany interior minister VoR 06 Apr 2014 -- The United States did not know where to stop in electronic spying and information provided by Washington in reply to Berlin's requests over activity of the US National Security Agency was unsatisfactory, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said in an interview with German weekly Spiegel made public on Sunday.
US Navy to create new drone-type helicopter VoR 06 Apr 2014 -- The US Navy intends to spend $100 million over the next five years to create unmanned helicopters capable of resupplying troops and rescuing injured soldiers from the battlefield. The military seeks to create autonomous aircraft that can help soldiers carry out night raids, patrol oceans, and select targets for attack.
NSA investigation committee begins its work in Germany VoR 05 Apr 2014 -- Germany has officially started hearings on NSA spying case. A special investigation committee began its work today and instantly couldn't agree on the role of Edward Snowden in this process. Deutsche Welle has published an article disclosing the details of the first day of the investigation committee work. Clemens Binninger, who is the leader of the project claims that any attempts to reach the US side were left unsuccessful. The German government has also sent a question catalogue to the US officials, which was left unanswered as well.
US 375-pound military drone crashes near elementary school in Pennsylvania VoR 05 Apr 2014 -- Military officials say an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone, crashed near a central Pennsylvania school and a hotel. Mass media identified the 375-pound drone as a RQ-7 Shadow, operated by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. A military official called Wednesday afternoon's incident a hard landing, but the drone was apparently run over by a car.
Future outlook released for remotely piloted aircraft AFNS 04 Apr 2014 -- Air Force leaders outlined what the next 25 years for remotely piloted aircraft will look like in the RPA Vector, published April 4.
Wyden: Americans will be 'profoundly disturbed' by CIA torture report Iran Press TV 04 Apr 2014 -- US Senator Ron Wyden on Thursday said the American people will be "profoundly disturbed" by a summary of a Senate report on the CIA's torture techniques.
CIA's brutal interrogation methods to be declassified - US Senate VoR 04 Apr 2014 -- The US Senate Intelligence Committee voted on Thursday to declassify its long-awaited report on the CIA's use of brutal interrogation methods that critics say amount to torture. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat who chairs the committee, said the vote was 11-3 to declassify what she called the 'shocking' results of investigating the Central Intelligence Agency practices under Republican President George W. Bush.
Rogers Takes Over Top NSA, Cyber Command Posts AFPS 03 Apr 2014 -- Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers assumed command of U.S. Cyber Command and became director of the National Security Agency and the Central Security Service during a ceremony here today.
Clapper confirms warrantless searches of Americans Iran Press TV 03 Apr 2014 -- The US National Security Agency has conducted searches of Americans' phone and internet communications without court warrants, the Obama administration's top intelligence official has confirmed.
Senate Panel Orders Release of CIA Torture Report VOA 03 Apr 2014 -- The Senate Intelligence Committee has voted to release parts of a secret report criticizing the CIA's methods of interrogating terror suspects after the 2001 al-Qaida attacks on New York and Washington.
US Senate's report sheds light on CIA detainees' tortures VoR 01 Apr 2014 -- A report by the Senate Intelligence Committee concludes that the CIA concealed its brutal interrogation program for years both from the government and the public, including details on their commonly practiced torture techniques, overstating the significance of plots and interrogated prisoners. This, US officials confirm, yielded little, if any at all, intelligence.
US Release of Israeli Spy Pollard Could Be Key to Renewed Peace Talks VOA 01 Apr 2014 -- Jewish American Jonathan Pollard has been held in prison for nearly three decades for passing American secrets to Israel. But his possible release may be the key to keeping the fragile Israeli-Palestinian peace talks from collapsing.
Report: CIA Misled Public About Terror Detainees VOA 01 Apr 2014 -- The Washington Post newspaper says according to a congressional report the CIA misled the public for years over its now-defunct enhanced interrogation program of suspected terrorists.

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