Biden asks US authorities to secure, limit distribution of sensitive info after leaks

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden on Friday said he has directed the military and intelligence community to take steps to "further secure and limit distribution of sensitive information".

Biden's remarks came after a suspect, 21-year-old Jack Teixeira, was arrested for leaking classified Pentagon documents, which were circulated online and publicly reported by media outlets.

"I commend the rapid action taken by law enforcement to investigate and respond to the recent dissemination of classified U.S. government documents," Biden said in a statement.

"While we are still determining the validity of those documents, I have directed our military and intelligence community to take steps to further secure and limit distribution of sensitive information, and our national security team is closely coordinating with our partners and allies," he added.

Many of the documents date back to March and relate to the war in Ukraine, including force and casualty levels for Kyiv and Moscow's militaries. Others paint a dire picture of Ukraine's ammunition levels ahead of an expected counter-offensive to further roll back Russia's occupation.

It also revealed information indicating that the US has spied on both adversaries and allies, including Iran, and North Korea, as well as Britain, Canada, South Korea, and Israel.