Iranian drone strikes on CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf region have prompted US intelligence officials to investigate possible Russian involvement, four sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters. Among the theories is that Moscow may have provided guidance data or technology for advanced drones. No final conclusions have yet been reached in the US.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n At least two CIA facilities were targeted in March. One of them was the CIA station in Saudi Arabia, which is based at the US Embassy in Riyadh. The other facility was located in eastern Iraq.<\/p>\n Some of Reuters\u2019 sources also mentioned other targets that had been hit, without specifying their number or locations. One source estimated the number to be more than one but fewer than ten; another reported that there were several sites. Their exact locations have not been disclosed, as the CIA\u2019s network of overseas facilities is classified.<\/p>\n According to two Western officials in the Gulf states, who were briefed on intelligence reports, two Russian-upgraded variants of Iranian drones may have been used during the attack in Saudi Arabia Shahed<\/a>. The first drone struck a vulnerable section of the embassy\u2019s exterior, whilst the second flew through the hole it had created and exploded.<\/p>\n Sources also reported that Russia had been helping Iran to improve the Shahed\u2019s ability to hit targets. A separate source speaking to Reuters said that Moscow had supplied Tehran with the Kometa-M satellite navigation system to improve the accuracy of the Shahed-136. Experts consider it to be more accurate and harder to jam than the Iranian system.<\/p>\n\n
What is known about the affected sites<\/h2>\n
The theory regarding Russian technology and guidance systems<\/h2>\n