Afghanistan CIA station chief’s cover accidentally blown by White House

The White House has mistakenly blown the cover of the top CIA officer in Afghanistan in an email to journalists.

As is customary, the White House sent an email to news organisations with the names and titles of those with whom the president met with during his time in the country. However, along with the list of politicians and dignitaries was “Chief of Station” and a name, according to the Washington Post.

As soon as they realised the error, the White House immediately sent out a new email with the details of the CIA officer removed, but it was too late, with the message already distributed to news agencies and journalists around the globe.

The US has asked for the name not to be published over security and safety concerns, but the leak will likely lead to the return of the officer to the US and possible the end of their career in the field. However, neither the White House nor the CIA have made an official statement about the future of the officer.