In a press conference this Thursday, the White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby revealed that the “serious threat” mentioned by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Mike Turner, is linked to the development of an anti-satellite system by Russia.
Although Kirby acknowledged concerns about this anti-satellite system under construction, he stated that it does not currently pose a direct threat to human safety. “We are not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth,” said the White House spokesman, trying to ease concerns by ensuring that the anti-satellite system is not yet active.
Kirby also assured that the United States has been closely monitoring this “Russian activity” and will continue to do so seriously. However, he clarified that no further information will be revealed yet. “We were eventually going to get to a point where we were going to be able to share it with the American people, and we still will as appropriate. As I said in my opening statement, we’ll keep you informed as we can,” he said.
Russian weapon could interfere with US communications
According to a Fox News report revealing additional information about the anti-satellite system, the weapon’s intelligence relates to Russian nuclear capabilities in space that could put other satellites at risk and interfere with US communications and military reconnaissance.
Turner asked to declassify the information
Last Wednesday, Turner issued a statement warning of a “serious national threat” and asked President Joe Biden to declassify all related information so that necessary actions could be taken.
“Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat. I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat,” the Republican’s statement stated.
