CIA Superspy Unmasks After 3 Decades

Clandestine service head blows own cover before retirement

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Aug 8, 2007 5:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – As he prepares for retirement, the CIA's chief spymaster has elected to reveal his true identity, the AP reports. Jose Rodriguez spent more than 30 years undercover, much of the time in Latin America; the Puerto Rico native has headed the agency's clandestine service since 2004. An agency spokesman says Rodriguez's cover was lifted a month ago.

As chief of "human intelligence" operations, Rodriguez oversaw the classic spycraft engaged in by various US agencies. He was known in public by his first name only. "Jose built a reputation for leadership in the field and here at headquarters, and he guided some of the agency's greatest counterterror victories," CIA director Michael Hayden said.

CIA Director, and public face, Michael Hayden said in a statement that Rodriguez "guided some of the agency's greatest counterterror victories." (cia.gov)

This undated handout photo provided by the CIA shows Jose Rodriguez. One of the CIA's top spooks has come out of the shadows. With little fanfare, Rodriguez, who heads the National Clandestine Service,... (Associated Press)

"[Jose] has done much to protect our country by strengthening its Clandestine Service," said CIA Director Michael Hayden. (cia.gov; Wikimedia Commons)

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CIA Superspy Unmasks After 3 Decades

Clandestine service head blows own cover before retirement

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Calls accusation that it did so 'totally unsubstantiated'

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Help hedge funds spot liars on corporate earnings calls

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

CIA • Latin America • spy • Michael Hayden • spycraft • Jose Rodriguez • human intelligence • Puerto Rico

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Pakistan: We Didn't Blow CIA Spy's Cover

Calls accusation that it did so 'totally unsubstantiated'

CIA's Top Spy in Pakistan Forced to Flee

Terrorist threat leads to decision that could complicate war effort

No Charges in Destruction of CIA Videotapes

Agency destroyed 92 tapes of suspects being waterboarded

CIA Ops Moonlight for Corporations

Help hedge funds spot liars on corporate earnings calls

Castro Sister: I Worked With CIA

New book reveals Juanita Castro's involvement with US intelligence

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?