WikiLeaks has put Americans at risk: White House

Washington, Jul 26: The White House was quick to condemn the Afghan War Diary expose on whistleblowers' website, WikiLeaks, saying that the "disclosure of classified information" could put the lives of Americans at risk and threaten the national security.

“The United States strongly condemns the disclosure of classified information by individuals and organizations which could put the lives of Americans and our partners at risk, and threaten our national security," The White Hous said in a statement.

“Wikileaks made no effort to contact us about these documents – the United States government learned from news organizations that these documents would be posted.

"These irresponsible leaks will not impact our ongoing commitment to deepen our partnerships with Afghanistan and Pakistan; to defeat our common enemies; and to support the aspirations of the Afghan and Pakistani people," the statement issued by White House National Security Adviser James Jones added.

Arguing that WikiLeaks is not worth noting as it is not an objective news outlet but rather an organization that opposes US policy in Afghanistan, the official said, The period of time covered in these documents (January 2004-December 2009) is before the President announced his new strategy. Some of the disconcerting things reported are exactly why the President ordered a three month policy review and a change in strategy."

On Sunday, Jul 25 evening, WikiLeaks posted over 90,000 records of incidents and intelligence reports which revealed how coalition forces have killed hundreds of civilians, the surge in the number of Taliban attacks as well as the fears that Pakistan and Iran were fuelling the insurgency.

The New York Times, The Guardian and Germany"s Der Spiegel were given access to the "war logs", that the website claims were written by soldiers and intelligence officers.

OneIndia News