Washington, 15 February 2024 (dpa/MIA) - US intelligence agencies have information about Russian nuclear capabilities in space, US media reported on Wednesday.

Several US media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post and broadcasters ABC and Fox News reported findings about Russia attempting to develop an anti-satellite nuclear weapon based in space which could pose a threat to national and international security.

Fox News reported that the use of nuclear systems against satellites could potentially disable US military communications and reconnaissance. There was initially no official confirmation of the reports.

The New York Times wrote that the US had informed Congress and allies in Europe about Moscow's plans. Such Russian nuclear capabilities are still being developed and have not yet been deployed. The Times cited official as saying there was no imminent threat.

The news broke after House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner on Wednesday called for the White House to declassify information about what he called a "serious national security threat."

"Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat," Turner said. "I am requesting that President [Joe] Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat."

The Republican did not specify what kind of threat was involved, and the cryptic message paved the way for all kinds of speculation. The media reports on Russia's space capabilities followed shortly afterwards.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a White House press briefing later on Wednesday that he was "a bit surprised" by Turner's statement, since earlier in the week he had reached out to members of Congress to offer to personally brief them on the matter on Thursday.

"The most important thing is we have the opportunity to sit in a classified setting and have the kind of conversation with the House Intelligence leadership that I, in fact, had scheduled before Congressman Turner went out today," Sullivan added.