WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Obama administration has directed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to provide options for a cyber operation that would "embarrass" the Kremlin, NBC News reported on Friday.
"The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation," the report said.
Former intelligence officers, the report added, have claimed the CIA has gathered documents that could expose unsavory tactics by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House announced on Tuesday that Obama is considering a "proportional" response to claims by the United States that Russia’s government has interfered in the US presidential election through hacking of political groups’ computer systems.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the White House’s threats to retaliate "bewildering."
