CIA Director William Burns shared at an event that Iran’s missile and drone attack against Israel last weekend was largely unsuccessful, with only a few projectiles hitting Israeli territory. He praised the strength of Israel’s military and highlighted the support the country received from the United States and other allies. While President Joe Biden and U.S. officials hope for a de-escalation of tensions in the region, Israel is still considering its response to the Iranian attack.
Burns also discussed his recent visit to Ukraine, where he learned about critical ammunition shortages faced by Ukrainian military officers. He recounted a conversation with a senior Ukrainian officer who described running out of ammunition while facing Russian forces in battle. Burns expressed concern about the possibility of further battlefield losses in Ukraine unless Congress approves a long-delayed military aid package to support the Ukrainian military in their fight against Russian forces.
When asked about what keeps him up at night, Burns mentioned the threat of terrorist attacks, the conflict in Ukraine, and the risks faced by CIA employees worldwide. He also shared a personal experience where he participated in a training exercise at the CIA’s training ground, known as “The Farm,” near Williamsburg, Virginia. During the exercise, Burns was unknowingly taken “hostage” by members of the Delta Force, creating a challenging and intense situation that kept him up all night.
Despite the serious nature of his work, Burns also shared a lighthearted anecdote from the training exercise involving his role as a “hostage.” He recounted how the Delta Force members were unaware that the senior CIA officer being impersonated in the exercise was actually Burns himself, resulting in a surprise for everyone involved. The comical moment added a touch of humor to an otherwise intense and demanding training scenario, showcasing the importance of preparation and readiness in the face of challenging situations.
The failed Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel underscored the strength of Israel’s military and the support it receives from allies like the United States. While tensions in the region remain high, there is hope for a potential de-escalation of the situation. Burns also highlighted the critical ammunition shortages faced by Ukrainian military officers and the need for increased support from Congress to assist Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
As CIA Director, Burns faces a multitude of challenges and risks, including the threat of terrorist attacks, conflicts in various regions, and the safety of CIA employees worldwide. Despite these weighty concerns, Burns also shared a memorable and amusing story from a training exercise he participated in, highlighting the blend of seriousness and levity that can characterize the work of intelligence professionals. Amidst the complexities of global security and geopolitics, moments of humor and camaraderie can offer a brief respite from the gravity of the issues at hand.
