“The satellite, which no longer be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret.”
Secret eh, so why in hades are they talking about it.
Because by international treaties signed by the US, the country that launches it’s space hardware must take responsibility for that hardware until it is de-orbited. Because the spacecraft is out of control the US must acknowledge this fact. But I will tell you that they can predict relatively certainly where, when and how it will come down.