Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said on Thursday that the US defense department has concluded that the leak of classified agency documents into the network was the result of deliberate actions. that quote New York Times.
“It was a deliberate criminal act,” Ryder said during the briefing.
At a press conference at the Pentagon, Ryder declined to answer specific questions about the leak, saying an investigation is ongoing and referring the matter to the Justice Department. He added that an assessment has been made of the extent of confidential documents leaking to the network and the potential damage caused by what happened. “This is a matter for law enforcement and it would not be appropriate for me or any Department of Defense official to comment on this at this time,” he said.
Formerly a member of the Massachusetts National Guard arrested FBI in connection with the leaking of classified American intelligence documents.
Confidential Pentagon documents posted on social media dealt with a number of sensitive issues. They included top-secret reports on the whereabouts and movements of top political leaders, as well as tactical reports on the military. They also contain intelligence reviews of “both allies and enemies of the United States.” In particular, the tapes provide insight into US efforts to support the Ukrainian government.