Classified Documents Leaked Through Discord

By Adam Marcello
June 8, 2023

Jack Teixeira, an American airman serving in the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard was arrested on April 13th for leaking over 100 pages of classified Pentagon documents through Discord on a server named "Thug Shaker Central." The documents contained sensitive information about intelligence the United States held on several countries, including China and Russia, as well as details about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The leaked documents revealed Russian intelligence actively promoting Russia while downplaying American public opinion in Africa. There were also concerns raised about the potential risks posed by China, with one assessment suggesting that NATO-provided weapons to Ukraine could draw China into the Russian-Ukrainian war. The documents also disclosed that Egypt plans to sell artillery and gunpowder to Russia, and showed how the U.S. is pressuring Israel into providing lethal aid to Ukraine

Furthermore, the leaked documents stated that personnel from the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, planned to purchase weapons and equipment from Turkey to use in Mali and Ukraine. The documents also revealed the CIA intercepts signals to spy on discussions inside the Russian Defense Ministry, as well as to eavesdrop on the South Korean and Israeli governments and individuals associated with the Wagner Group. The leak also revealed that the U.S. has been spying on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Additionally, the leaked documents stated that 15,500 to 17,500 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action, while 35,500 to 43,000 Russian soldiers were killed. 

One of the most alarming pieces of information in the leaked documents was a Russian fighter jet almost shot down a British surveillance plane off the coast of Crimea in September 2022, and only failed because the missile malfunctioned. Under Article 5, NATO could have taken more aggressive action if the missile had hit the plane, resulting in a war with Russia.

The leak has caused a diplomatic crisis between the United States and the Five Eyes, an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, Russia and Ukraine have downplayed the leak, stating that the documents contain distorted figures. Some countries, such as South Korea and Egypt, have denied specific claims contained in the leaks. It is important to note that some parts of the document may have been fabricated. Investigations into the incident are still ongoing. Nevertheless, the repercussions of this leak remain unclear as more facts come to light, as the truth of what is contained in the documents remains contested.

Sources
Images of leaked classified documents were posted to at least two Discord chatrooms | CNN Politics

What the leaked Pentagon documents reveal - 8 key takeaways - BBC News  

Leaked Pentagon documents takeaways: Here are details on what they reveal - CBS News 

Leaked Pentagon documents provide rare window into depth of US intelligence on allies and foes | CNN Politics
Leaked Pentagon Documents: The Secrets and Suspected Source