Leaked footages shows that British and United States spy agencies surveyed drones for military purposes from Israel. The National Security Agency (NSA) and Governments Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) reportedly tapped into live video feeds from drones and fighter jets during Israel's military operations in the Gaza strip.
The collection of live videos was part of a program called "Anarchist" and it shows a series of photos showing a rare sight of the closely guarded Israeli's drone fleet. The files provided and leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden sheds light on Israeli drone operations over Gaza strip. The said program was operated from the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus.
The leakage provided by whistleblower Snowden shows that U.S. and UK spy agencies have been spying on drones and fighter jets of Israel since 1998. The purpose of which was to predict military operations of Israel on countries like Iran, Gaza and Syria and how it can affect the Middle East in terms of stability.
The leaked photos show various types of unmanned planes and images showing drones that carry missiles. These photos were collected from 2009 to 2010. Though the images support report that Israel has unmanned drones that carried attacks, the Israeli government won't admit its accountability. However, the video captured by the spy agencies provide visual proof of the claim.
"This access is indispensable for maintaining an understanding of Israeli military training and operations and thus an insight to possible future developments in the region," a report by GCHQ in 2008 said. It added that during incidents that may pose crisis over other countries, this access is important.
The move by the U.S. and UK spy agencies made an Israeli government official and politician unhappy.
"We are not surprised, we know that the Americans are spying on the whole world, including their 'friends.' That is disappointing, because for decades we have not spied, collected intelligence or attempted to crack the encryption of the United States," National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Minister Yuval Steinitz said.
Up to date, information shows that countries such as Israel, United States, Pakistan and the United Kingdom are the only ones known to use drones for military purposes and deadly attacks.
Photo: Israel Defense Forces | Flickr
