Phone Numbers Called by ABC, NYT, and WaPo Reporters Being Monitored for Leaks

ABC chief investigative correspondent Brian Ross, along with colleague Richard Esposito, reported at “The Blotter” blog on Monday that they have been informed by a “senior federal law enforcement official” that their phone calls are being monitored to identify confidential sources: “‘It's time for you to get some new cell phones, quick,’ the source told us in an in-person conversation.”

The blog continued: “Other sources have told us that phone calls and contacts by reporters for ABC News, along with the New York Times and the Washington Post, are being examined as part of a widespread CIA leak investigation.”

Why do Ross and Esposito believe they are being targeted? “Our reports on the CIA's secret prisons in Romania and Poland were known to have upset CIA officials. The CIA asked for an FBI investigation of leaks of classified information following those reports.” And: “People questioned by the FBI about leaks of intelligence information say the CIA was also disturbed by ABC News reports that revealed the use of CIA predator missiles inside Pakistan.”

Yet, Ross and Esposito confirmed what the administration has claimed about this program that is contrary to a recent USA Today cover story and most drive-by media reports on the subject: “The official who warned ABC News said there was no indication our phones were being tapped so the content of the conversation could be recorded.”

So, what information is the CIA trying to obtain? “A pattern of phone calls from a reporter, however, could provide valuable clues for leak investigators.”

Oh the humanity. The CIA is actually trying to stop leaks of classified and sensitive intelligence information to the press while the nation is at war.