CIA to name veteran Middle East case officer as head of covert operations

The CIA has appointed a veteran clandestine officer, currently serving as a station chief in the Middle East, as its new deputy director for operations following the withdrawal of the previous nominee. CIA director John Ratcliffe emphasized an intensified focus on global espionage, with plans to enhance intelligence collection, notably through innovative recruitment efforts, such as releasing Chinese-language videos. This appointment is part of broader changes in the U.S. intelligence community under President Trump, including the dismissal of key figures like General Timothy Haugh and Michael Collins.