Enemies
Getting Sensitive US Gear
Thefts and illegal shipments of military night-vision gear are increasing,
according to US government officials. Over the past 18 months, the government
has prosecuted over 24 cases in relation to the theft or illegal shipment
of night-vision gear.
There is evidence that some businesses made shipments that ended up in
the hands of terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. Other
shipments headed to China, Japan, and Iran. Pentagon officials say that
some night-vision equipment has made its way to Iraq and Afghanistan,
with U.S. troops discovering night-vision goggles in enemy weapons caches
and in the possession of enemy combatants.
Though some night-vision devices are sold on the commercial market, military
equipment is more advanced, capable of identifying the infrared tabs worn
on the uniforms of U.S. troops. The military often conducts high-risk
operations at night because the night-vision technology gives troops an
advantage in the dark.
Officials are concerned that these illegal shipments will take that advantage
away from the U.S. military. The Pentagon has joined with the Justice,
Homeland Security, Commerce, and State departments to crackdown on the
illegal export of restricted military items. There are currently at least
eight individuals or businesses under investigation for the theft or illegal
transport of night-vision technology.
