White House says national security threat pertains to Russia's anti-satellite capability

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House said Thursday that a national security threat disclosed by the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday concerns Russia's anti-satellite capability.

"I can confirm that it is related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Kirby said it is not an active capability that has been deployed and there is no immediate threat to anyone's safety.

"We're not talking about a weapon that can be used to attack human beings or cause physical destruction here on Earth," he added.

The US has been closely "monitoring this Russian activity and we will continue to take it very seriously," said Kirby, adding that President Joe Biden has been kept fully informed and regularly informed by his national security team.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner warned Wednesday of a "serious national security threat," and demanded Biden publicly release all information concerning the threat.