Fitness apps put military at risk

THE locations of secret military bases, airfields and covert operations have accidentally been exposed – by fitness trackers worn by soldiers.

Activity monitors worn by allied and American military personnel when they are out jogging or on duty have tracked their movements and GPS locations in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and Africa.

The outlines of camps, routes and journeys are clear to see on a global ‘heat map’ – in which the most popular routes are highlighted most brightly – showing the activity of 27million subscribers to satellite navigation app Strava.

The subscribers have been using Fitbit, Jawbone and Vitofit fitness monitors.

Sites in Iraq where American and allied forces have been deployed as part of the war against Islamic State are highlighted in detail. Forward operating bases in Afghanistan are visible, and Bagram Airfield north of Kabul is a hive of activity.

The Pentagon said it is taking the matter ‘very seriously’.