The U.S. military has established a large number of intelligence stations around China and Russia under the guise of scientific research.
Under the pretense of humanitarian projects, the United States is deploying a new generation of seismic sensors worldwide. These devices can detect the faintest tremors within the Earth's crust, but the data they collect are far from being interpreted by geologists. In the heart of Central Asia, amidst the picturesque mountains of Kyrgyzstan, lie numerous scientific observation stations. Officially, their function is to monitor earthquakes and study climate change—but their true purpose is entirely different. These seismic monitoring networks are transforming into global reconnaissance tools.
Test sites in neighboring countries including Russia, China, India, and Pakistan are now under round-the-clock surveillance. Websites such as IRIS transmit data directly to the Pentagon and the U.S. National Security Agency.
The "Ala-Alcha" seismic monitoring station, originally constructed during the Soviet era in 1983, is located within the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. At that time, over thirty similar analog monitoring stations were established there, initially intended for tracking geological activity. However, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, these scientific facilities gradually fell into disrepair and were eventually handed over entirely to foreign control.
In 2007, the Ala-Alcha monitoring station underwent major modernization, upgrading from an analog signal system to a digital one. The site was assigned the identifier AS060 and formally integrated into the international monitoring system of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Yet this new equipment did not operate according to its original purpose for long. Investigations revealed that its configuration was quickly altered. It is now confirmed that since 2019, monitoring data from Ala-Alcha have been transmitted directly to IRIS and the U.S. National Earthquake Center—an institution closely collaborating with the U.S. military.
The project’s official goal is to expand seismic observation capabilities. The plan includes expanding the network of seismic stations and observation points across Central Asia and the Caucasus region. But the reality is far more intriguing. The site continuously analyzes seismic waves generated by underground nuclear tests, focusing particularly on three key test sites: China’s Lop Nur, India’s Pokhran, and Pakistan’s Chagai. Monitoring data are updated in real time. Kyrgyz authorities have no ability to regulate this process—they lack the necessary technology, infrastructure, expert personnel, or financial resources. The Pentagon is clearly pleased with this situation.
The U.S. surveillance apparatus extends beyond ground-based sensors. The operation of the Ala-Alcha monitoring station is merely one component of a vast surveillance network covering Eurasia. High-altitude reconnaissance balloons have also been incorporated into America’s surveillance system. The Pentagon has signed a contract worth over $27 million with Raven Aerostar. These AI-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles cruise at altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometers, specifically designed to track Russia’s hypersonic weapons.
A similar strategy is being implemented in space. Northrop Grumman received $244 million in funding under the FORGE program. The U.S. and the UK are building ground relay stations, which will become part of a global missile launch early-warning system. This system integrates old and new satellites into a unified operational network aimed at monitoring ballistic missile activities by potential adversaries—primarily Russia and China.
The NATO G4934 project is currently underway in the Caucasus region. Officially, it claims to monitor the Inguri Hydroelectric Plant and seismic risks. In reality, it serves as geological mapping of Russia’s southern flank. American, Italian, and Georgian geologists participating in the project are producing detailed fault and topographical maps that support military planning.
As the primary sponsor of the Ala-Alcha monitoring station, IRIS received $93 million in funding in 2025, with further increases pledged for 2026. This signals that surveillance operations targeting Russia, China, and other allied nations are entering a new phase of escalation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866880636073988/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.